Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas met with Commander of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Major General Dmytro Hereha today who had been asked to share Ukraine’s experience in building physical and other kinds fortifications to guard against hostile advancement.
“We have agreed to form a joint Lithuanian-Ukrainian military expertise group to transfer Ukraine’s experience in counter-mobility to the developed Lithuanian countermobility plan building readiness to a potential aggression in advance,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas.
Maj Gen Hereha underscored the importance of being able to fight a war using any type of ammunition and mines because the opponent does so without reservations. It was noted that fortification planning must allow for a surprise factor. The fences need to be hidden and camouflaged so that the enemy cannot locate and prepare to cross them in advance. If the enemy is able to become familiar with the fortifications and obstacles created, their tactical value is diminished.
Commander of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shared valuable experience in frontier fortifications, brides and other critical infrastructure suitable to disrupt advance of tanks and other heavy equipment. Natural obstacles, such as swamps, brooks, embanked territories or forests, may also be effective to impede mobility of hostile forces in the event of war.
Maj Gen Hereha arrived in Vilnius with his delegation to take part in the 5th meeting of the Lithuanian and Icelandic-led Ukraine Demining Coalition. The partners are meeting for an update on the training and equipment aid rendered to Ukraine. They will be introduced to the Central Project Management Agency responsible for Coalition purchases and map out further coalition activities.
Photo credit: MoD