06 March 2023 , 14:55
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Russia is building barricades on tourist beaches in annexed Crimea - indicating its fears about a potential attack by Ukraine.
In the past, the peninsula would have been bustling with tourists during summer, but now trenches are being dug to deter attacks.
This move is a clear sign that Vladimir Putin's military leaders are concerned about the possibility of a fight to maintain control over Crimea, which was annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
A local resident on a beach in Yevpatoria highlighted the defensive constructions on the beach.
He ridiculed the chances of a “holiday season in Crimea” this year.
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“This is how the seashore is being strengthened,” he said.
“It's not a waterfront reconstruction [but for military purposes]. And what holiday season in Crimea can we talk about now?"
Sand bags being placed inside of trenches that have been dug on the beech in Crimea (Crimean Wind/east2west news)“How does a tourist get to the sea if there are such trenches for 200 km [124 miles]? It's all f****d up.
“And this is how it is now all over western Crimea.”
The resident mocked Putin’s hope one year ago of storming Kyiv in three days.
“Everything is clearly going according to plan,” he said sarcastically.
Another report warned that children and tourists may be required to help construct the sea defences.
Reports have warned that children and tourists may be required to help construct the sea defences (Eshkin Krot/east2west news)
Wooden barricades built at the beach in Crimea in preparation for a potential attack (Eshkin Krot/east2west news)From an aerial view, it can be seen that trenches have been dug along beaches east of Yevpatoria.
Footage also shows beach defences at another resort Chernomorskoye, further west.
Reports suggest a defensive line consisting of trenches, anti-tank pyramids and minefields is being built along the western coast of the peninsula.
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“Why are there pits on the beach? Are we preparing for an attack from the sea?” asked local resident Igor Soltan.
Several Russian military facilities are nearby.
The Main Directorate of Ukrainian Intelligence has previously reported that the Russian military "are trying to further strengthen the coastline, fearing the landing of Ukrainian troops."
Crimea was among the most popular summer locations for Russians and is now filled with trenches and barricades (Crimean Wind/east2west news)Even before annexation, Crimea was among the most popular summer locations for Russians.
The story comes as just yesterday it was reported that Russian forces are now so short of ammo that they are telling their troops to use shovels.
Revealed by the UK's Ministry of Defence , he said that reservists were being told to fight hand to hand. "Recent evidence suggests an increase in close combat in Ukraine," said a MoD spokesman.
"This is probably a result of the Russian command continuing to insist on offensive action largely consisting of dismounted infantry, with less support from artillery fire because Russia is short of munitions."