Molotov Line

Each fortified region (Russian: укреплённый район, romanized: ukreplennyi raion or UR) consisted of a large number of concrete bunkers (pillboxes) armed with machine-guns, antitank guns and artillery.

When the Axis powers attacked the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941 (Operation Barbarossa), most of the line remained unfinished, and hence posed a negligible obstacle to the invading forces.

(The Brest Fortress resisted much longer, but it was an older fortification, and technically not part of the Molotov line).

They were significantly vulnerable and could be neutralised quickly by throwing grenades or burning fuel into periscope shafts, which were absolutely unprotected.

[citation needed] Continuing south, the other regions, today located along the eastern border of Poland with Belarus and Ukraine, were: The name Molotov Line is informal and has come into use relatively recently.