"The construction of fortifications was initially delayed because the presidential administration believed Ukraine would recapture a lot more territory in 2023, said Razumkov. Once the Ukrainian counteroffensive failed, in November that year, there were further delays due to lack of co-ordination and some instances of corruption, he added."
NATO really staked the whole outcome on that counteroffensive and won't throw in the towel now that it didn't pan out. There really are no brakes on this train.