Kiev fortified area

The Kiev Fortified Region (Russian abbreviation КиУР, УР-1, 1-й укреплённый район, 1-й укрепрайон) is a complex of defensive structures, consisting of permanent and field fortifications, engineering obstacles, etc., in the Kiev area. Built in the period from 1929 to 1941 for the protection of the old border of the USSR, the total length of about 85 km between the flanks which were anchored on the river Dnieper, and to a depth of defensive zone from 1 to 6 km.

The fortifications had a significant impact in the fighting for the defence of the city in 1941.

Initial construction
According to Order No 90 of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR, dated 19 March 1928, a program of fortifications on the country's borders was to be carried out, and in 1928, construction began on the first thirteen fortified regions, including Kiev.

Building started in 1929. Identify the defence zone, and build 120 long-term machine-gun emplacements, and 45 artillery observation and observation points, in a construction program lasting 4 years, 1929 to 1933. But in 1932, further construction of the fortified area was discontinued.

Second world War
After the annexation of the Poland's eastern territories in 1939, Stalin wanted to push the soviet defences up to the new boarders, creating a series of new fortified regions. The old defences of the Stalin line were neglected. Only in June 1940 did Stalin finally agree with Zukov that the old Stalin line should be parcially manned but the troops found the fortifications, 'over grown with grass' and completely lacking in fixed defences. The poor state of the Kiev defenses were not unknown to the Soviet Leadership, a NKVD report from 1939 stated that 'Only 5 of the 257 structures in the area were prepared for combat' and went on to list a host of deficiencies ranging from uncleared forests limiting fields of fires, no communication or support equipment, old seals witch had decayed. The report went on to stat that although the deficiencies had been reported, nothing had been done about it. Restoration of Kiev fortified area began June 24, 1941, when the commander of the Southwestern Front Mikhail Kirponos gave order for the rehabilitation, including equipping and arming Pillboxes and the construction of field fortifications. For these tasks the population of Kiev was mobilized. By 30 June were involved in the construction of 50 000, by 2 July 160,000, and in the last days of construction, 200,000 workers were involved.

Since the original construction had not anticipated tank attack, no specific measures had been incorporated into the defence system. To eliminate this drawback, 30 km and 15 km long anti-tank ditches were dug. Also were installed metal hedgehogs, anti-personnel obstacles, among them - 16 km of electrified barbed wire and a large number minefields.

By early July, the german advance had punched a hole in the center of the southern Fronts defenses, and on the 9 July, thinking that Kiev was there for the taking, General von Kleist issued orders for III Panzer Corps to capture the city and establish a deep bridgehead east of the Dniepr

There are reports that the 37th Army drew some of its initial staff from the Fortified Region staff.