Russian Occupants Fortify Mariupol

Russia is strengthening its defense lines in the temporarily captured areas of Ukraine to prevent a rapid advance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

On Nov 7, according to the Advisor of the Mayor of Mariupol, Petro Andryshchenko, Russian occupants started building a defense line around the city Two small plants for concrete production are working to supply Russian military needs, including anti-tank concrete “pyramids” that have been partially transported to Zaporizhzhia/Kherson.

On Nov. 8, Russian ships carrying military cargo entered Mariupol port. According to the port administration, they contain construction materials, medicine for a military hospital, and several hundred sets of Russian military uniforms.

The quality of military uniforms has been widely mocked, with Andryshchenko saying they are in a worse condition than Ukrainian workers’ overalls.

According to Andryshchenko, factory workers are being recruited in larger numbers from Mariupol for a “business trip” to the Kherson region to build fortifications. They are being offered higher wages and security in return for their services, with a view to creating seven or eight lines of defense.

Due to a lack of work in the city and at factories in Mariupol, the number of applicants is growing. Also, there is a risk that another hidden wave of mobilization will be launched by Russian occupants in the city.

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