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Defense line set up ahead of Ukrainian counteroffensive proved useful, Shoigu says

He said 80% of the defense line was built by the engineering and railroad forces

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. The defense line that was built ahead of the Ukrainian counteroffensive allowed Russian forces to mow down Ukrainian troops on a daily basis, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said in an interview with TASS Editor-in-Chief Mikhail Petrov.

"This is not just defense in depth, <...> it allows troops to conduct active defense. That is, to attack in certain areas, and at the same time mow down the enemy's forces and weapons. Mow down and do it effectively on a daily round-the-clock basis," he said.

The minister thanked road builders, regional governors, the mayor of Moscow and the governor of the Moscow Region. He said 80% of the defense line was built by the engineering and railroad forces.