KYIV (Reuters) – The Ukrainian government is set to allocate almost $35 million for the construction of new fortifications and military infrastructure in northeast regions that share borders with Russia and Belarus, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Speaking on Telegram, Shmyhal stated that the regions of Kharkiv and Chernihiv had requested the investment, with $24.7 million earmarked for Kharkiv and $9.8 million for Chernihiv. The funds will be utilized to develop military engineering and fortification structures.
At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Chernihiv region, which borders Russia and Belarus, was partially occupied but was later liberated. Belarus, a close ally of the Kremlin, initially supported the Russian invasion by allowing Russian troops to cross its borders and move towards Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. Belarus also hosted fighters from the Wagner mercenary group as part of a deal to end their attempted mutiny in June. In recent weeks, the eastern Kharkiv region, which shares a border with the Russian region of Belgorod, has experienced active fighting and remains partially occupied.
Following the liberation of its territories, Ukraine has been actively constructing defenses along its borders in order to prevent another invasion. The Ukrainian military has a significant presence in the northern region, while Moscow’s forces control large parts of southern and eastern Ukraine.
Currently, the Ukrainian government plans to invest $35 million in building new fortifications and military infrastructure along its borders with Russia and Belarus. Kharkiv and Chernihiv, two northeast regions, will each receive funding, with an allocation of $24.7 million for Kharkiv and $9.8 million for Chernihiv. The investment will be used to develop military engineering and fortification structures.
The Chernihiv region was partially occupied by Russian forces during the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022 but was later liberated. On the other hand, Belarus, a key ally of Russia, initially supported the invasion and allowed Russian troops to move towards Kyiv. Belarus also provided refuge to members of the Wagner mercenary group as part of a deal to halt their attempted mutiny in June. The eastern Kharkiv region, which shares a border with the Russian region of Belgorod, continues to experience fighting and remains partially occupied.
Since reclaiming its territories, Ukraine has been actively constructing defense systems along its borders to deter future invasions. The northern region maintains a substantial military presence, while areas in southern and eastern Ukraine are under the control of Moscow’s forces.
($1 = 36.9290 hryvnias)
($1 = 36.9290 hryvnias)
(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; editing by Tom Balmforth and Angus MacSwan)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
