Geography is stubborn.
Ukraine, dotted with rivers, crossed from north to south by the immense Dnieper, presents as many natural obstacles to the progress of Russian troops.
"
These wet cuts, in military jargon, always favor the defensive posture because they prevent mobility
", explains Édouard Jolly, researcher at IRSEM (Strategic Research Institute of the Military School) and specialist in the theory of conflicts. armed.
In early May, the Russian army had been repulsed with heavy losses trying to cross the Donets River into Donbass.
Several bridges had been built, then destroyed, preventing any advance.
"
In this type of combat, the intervention of engineer units is necessary to create pontoon bridges with significant security risks under enemy fire
”, explains Pascal Le Pautremat, doctor in contemporary history and International Relations.
To discover
Follow information on the war in Ukraine with the Figaro application
"
The French know one of the famous tributaries of the Dnieper: the Berezina...
This article is for subscribers only.
You have 83% left to discover.
Freedom has no borders, like your curiosity.
Keep reading your article for €0.99 for the first month
I ENJOY IT
Already subscribed?
Login
