Title: Ukrainian Infantry Tactics Challenge Russian Fortifications in Intense Clashes
With the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, recent videos shared on Ukrainian social media platforms have showcased fierce battles on the frontlines. Footage captured by reconnaissance drones reveals Ukrainian infantry units cautiously advancing towards Russian-held trenches in the southern region, specifically along the line from Zaporizhzhia to Donetsk. These areas have witnessed some of the most violent clashes, with close-quarter combat and intense gunfire exchanges. Surprisingly, the Ukrainian soldiers are relying on traditional infantry tactics to clear enemy fortifications, trench by trench, bunker by bunker, while minimizing their own losses.
In a departure from the dominance of long-range combat involving aerial and armored resources, the counter-offensive launched by Kyiv in early June highlights the crucial role played by infantry units to advance their forces. Experts have drawn parallels to the German Sturmtruppen, shock units employed during World War I to assault enemy lines. This emphasis on ground troops marks a shift from the armored attacks previously recommended by Western military experts to breach Russian fortifications. NATO manuals, as well as historical examples like the 2003 Iraq War, have advocated for armored assaults. Ukrainian forces also requested armored vehicle support from their allies, resulting in the delivery of several dozen German Leopard and British Challenger tanks. Moreover, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced the arrival of the first American Abrams tanks, with a total of 31 units promised by Washington.
However, the use of armored vehicles to breach the heavily fortified Russian defense system in southern and eastern Ukraine encountered limited success. Referred to as the Surovikin Line after the Russian commander-in-chief in Ukraine from October 2022 to January 2023, this area proved difficult to crack using armored tactics. Images from mid-June depicted Ukrainian tanks destroyed or immobilized by mines and artillery fire in the Zaporizhzhia region. A French military source noted that Ukrainian forces approached defended positions in columns without proper artillery preparation or concealment measures, rendering their strategy ineffective. Western estimates suggest that the initial Ukrainian units attempting to breach the Russian trenches suffered casualty rates of up to 20%.
The shift towards infantry-centered tactics reflects a renewed focus on trench warfare in Ukraine. While armored vehicles still play a role in the conflict, they have proved less effective against the Russian defense system. Despite the setbacks, Ukrainian forces persist in their efforts to advance, adapting their strategies to suit the challenging terrain and the fortified positions of their opponents.
The evolving nature of the conflict in Ukraine presents a complex battlefield, requiring a multifaceted approach. The Ukrainian military is reevaluating its tactics, placing greater significance on the role of infantry units to dislodge the well-entrenched enemy. This adaptability is crucial for gaining ground and minimizing losses. As the fighting continues, both Ukraine and Russia must navigate this ever-changing landscape and the strategic choices it requires.
