Trench warfare: Ukraine and Russia dig in as fighting grinds into third year

By , , , Published February 22, 2024

The Ukraine-Russia war has settled into a bloody stalemate as it grinds on into its third year. After a 2023 counteroffensive that could not break Russian lines, Ukraine’s Western-backed forces have adopted a more defensive strategy, by building more trenches and other defences along the front line and near its border with Belarus, a Russian ally. The defences, similar to those in the Russian-controlled south and east, have drawn comparisons with the trench-marked landscapes of France in World War I.

Soldiers and engineers excavate the ground for trench structures. Wood and sandbags provide support and stability, while barbed wire serves as a defensive barrier

Zig-zag trench design aims to limit enemy sight lines and offer additional protection from shelling

Trench depth can vary from 1.2 metres to 2.2 metres

Some trenches have a designated space to store tech devices and other electronics equipment

Firing position on the parapet

During rainy periods, trenches can become partially flooded and muddy

Trenches have dugout rooms that serve as living quarters. They can feature kitchens, washrooms and other basic amenities

Drones are effective for attacking trenches, pinpointing positions for artillery strikes

Rats can infest trenches as they seek food and warmth. Soldiers use cats to catch them

Winter nights can be freezing, with temperatures dropping to minus 30 degrees Celsius

Planks are used to cover the ground, to help keep soldiers' feet from submerging in water and mud

Sleeping quarters are sometimes built deeper underground for more protection from aerial attacks. The dugouts can serve as command posts, storage for supplies and field hospitals

Rat infestations

Rats infest trenches due to seasonal changes, mating cycles, and a lack of food sources. They can damage equipment and transmit diseases. “Mouse fever” can be transmitted through contact with mouse faeces or urine. Symptoms include severe headache, high fever, rashes, low blood pressure, and kidney problems.

Trench foot

Prolonged exposure to unsanitary, wet conditions can lead to foot problems, including infections and tissue decay.

The mud factor

Rasputitsa refers to muddy periods during spring and autumn. It makes transportation challenging, slows down military operations, and affects supply movements. Ukraine's rich, black soil is among the most fertile in the world.

Territorial control

Here is a map of the battlefield in February 2024, showing territory controlled and contested by Ukraine and Russia, and the front line that extends for about 1,000km.

Long-range strikes

As Ukraine and Russian troops engage in close quarters combat, both sides regularly exchange long-range attacks. Ukraine has targeted Russia’s border regions with missiles, and Moscow’s forces have struck Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones. Russia started carrying out strikes on Ukraine’s energy, military and urban infrastructure in October 2022, six months after its troops failed to take over the capital Kyiv and withdrew to Ukraine’s east and south. Ukraine has used interceptor systems, such as the US-made Patriot systems against Russian missiles. The US and European allies have given Ukraine tens of billions of dollars in military and other aid. But with war fatigue setting in and continued aid uncertain beyond 2024, it’s unclear how long Ukraine can defend itself with the same effectiveness, and continue to carry out long-range strikes.

Associate Creative Director Marcelo Duhalde
Illustrations by Victor Sanijez and Marcelo Duhalde
Edited by Andrew London

Sources: South China Morning Post archives, Institute for the Study of War, Reuters, Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, German Federal Archive