 Russia builds 120km defence line in Zaporizia, preparing for Ukrainian attack on Melitopol. British Defence Intelligence has reported that Russian forces have built three defence lines along a 120km stretch in Zaporizia oblast, but they will be of little use without sufficient troops and artillery support. For recent weeks, Russia has continued to develop extensive linear defences in Zaporizia oblast in Ukraine's south. The area is highly likely the responsibility of Russia's southern grouping of forces. The UK Ministry of Defence states Russia has now completed three layers of defensive zones across approximately 120km of this sector. These consist of a front line of forward combat positions and then two zones of nearly continuous more elaborate defences. Each zone is approximately 10-20km behind the one in front. Russia has probably put significant effort into these defensive works because it is convinced Ukraine is considering an assault towards the city of Melitopol. The defences have the potential to be formidable obstacles, but their utility almost entirely depends on them being supported by sufficient artillery and personnel. It remains unclear if the southern grouping of forces can currently muster these resources. UK Defence Intelligence noted in a previous report, the UK Ministry of Defence predicted that Russian air assault forces would be more involved in offensive operations in Ukraine.