![]() A Reuters’ analysis of imagery found thousands of defensive positions over a vast area. Several satellite images shared with CNN by Maxar Technologies, and taken on Wednesday, show extensive trenches east of the town of Polohy in Zaporizhzhia region. The challenge for the Ukrainians will be to bypass or overcome such obstacles at speed, creating momentum that causes Russian command and control to melt down. The defenses continue for hundreds of miles across the meandering southern front – where Ukrainian forces are expected to concentrate their counter-offensive in the coming weeks. Satellite imagery reviewed by CNN and other news organizations shows the extent of Russian defenses that have been built up in parts of southern Ukraine – layers of anti-tank ditches, obstacles, minefields and trenches. Breaking through will present a huge challenge. But the Russians have had nearly six months to prepare the ground – and build an elaborate array of defenses. ![]() When it’s launched, probably in the south, it will mark a pivotal moment in the conflict. The China state-owned Global Times said Canberra was “driving the bilateral relations toward a dead end.Ukraine says its preparations for a spring counter-offensive are almost complete. There have been various diplomatic flashpoints, including allegations of Chinese interference in Australia’s domestic affairs. ![]() Relations between Australia and China - its biggest trading partner - have soured in recent years. It claimed Australia’s multimillion-dollar plan was part of the “Morrison government’s anti-China agenda” and was driven by “their hostility toward China.” “Antarctic is a nuclear-free zone but that does not mean to say that issues have not been raised from time to time about dual-use capacity, and also, dual-use technology.”Ĭhina’s state media outlet Global Times said Beijing had “always abided by the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty System in carrying out scientific expeditions in the Antarctic region.” “Antarctica was demilitarized under the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty and also de-nuclearized,” he said. He said some countries have ambitions to use the continent for defense purposes. Professor Donald Rothwell is from the Australian National University’s College of Law. About 30 countries maintain dozens of research bases on the world’s coldest, driest, and windiest continent. ![]() The Australian government wants to uphold the 1961 Antarctic Treaty, which bans military and mining activity. “We need to keep eyes on Antarctica because there are others who have different objectives to us.”Īustralia lays claim to more than 42% of the continent, a territorial ambition that is recognized by few other nations. “We are stewards of some of the most important and most sensitive environments anywhere in the world,” he said. It aims to chart unexplored parts of the continent’s interior with drones and long-range helicopters to boost research into glaciers, marine science and rising sea levels.Īustralia also has concerns about China’s expansion in the increasingly contested region.Īt a media conference Tuesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison did not mention specific countries by name, but he said some were eager to “exploit its resources." The government in Canberra on Tuesday announced plans to fly a fleet of surveillance drones and long-range helicopters over the icy continent.Īustralia’s $570 million Antarctic plan has environmental and strategic ambitions. China has condemned Australia’s plans to boost its scientific and strategic presence in Antarctica.
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