Rows of white concrete barricades and coils of razor wire stretch across an open field for more than a kilometer near the northeastern city of Kupiansk in Ukraine. Trenches with rudimentary living quarters are being dug under the cover of darkness as Ukraine steps up construction of fortifications. This shift in military operations against Russia is part of a move towards a more defensive posture, aimed at helping Ukraine weather assaults while regenerating its forces. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced significant enhancements to fortifications on November 28, after a counteroffensive that was unable to rapidly punch through Russian lines.

While Kyiv remains focused on politically sensitive conscription reforms and addressing artillery shortages, Russia has been ramping up offensive pressure around eastern towns such as Kupiansk, Lyman, and Avdiivka. The defensive constructions have been boosted and work accelerated around various towns in eastern parts of the Donetsk region, as well as in the regions of Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Rivne, Volyn, and the southern Kherson region. Ukraine's military has been expanding its defensive fortifications, with plans for concrete structures, barbed wire, 'dragon's teeth', and anti-tank ditches in place. This has been part of an effort to minimize casualties and regenerate offensive combat power, and to defend Ukraine's flanks when it goes back on the offensive.

However, the exact scale and intensity of the fortification construction remains unknown, with some military analysts acknowledging that the offensive has culminated and Russia has retaken the initiative on the battlefield. The Ukrainians have shifted onto a defensive posture, trying to slow down Russian troops and suck fewer Ukrainian forces into defense, freeing them up for more training. As Ukraine continues to fortify its borders, the aim is not only to defend its territory but to also avoid leaving dangerous munitions on its land. This shift towards a more defensive footing indicates the heightened tensions and ongoing conflict with Russia.