HOPTIVKA, Ukraine - The flimsy, razor wire-topped fences popping up along bare expanses of Ukraine's eastern frontier are the first line of defense against a much-feared Russian invasion. Trenches fortified by timber have been hollowed out for soldiers to take up positions. And bulky, metallic obstacles looped together with more barbed wire are laid across the fields to halt advancing tanks and infantry.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Associated Press: As Ukraine erects defenses, critics fear expensive failure
Armed pro-Russian rebels of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic sit atop their armoured personnel carriers during rehearsals for the Victory Day parade in Donetsk on May 5, 2015.
