Russia increases armored attacks: ISW uncovers plan

The report notes that previously, the Russian forces had reduced their use of armored vehicles since the winter of 2024-2025. Since April, they have not conducted mechanized offensives at the company level or larger. During the summer, they mostly relied on motorcycles and buggies.

“Russian forces have recently marginally increased their use of armored vehicles against Ukrainian positions and have conducted a series of smaller platoon-sized mechanized assaults in Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions since early July 2025,” the analysts said.

The ISW added that Russia temporarily reduced its use of tanks and armored vehicles over the past six months and, based on analysts’ observations, is gradually improving its ability to refurbish Soviet-era armored vehicles and replenish supplies without deploying them in high-loss attacks.

“Russian forces may be temporarily increasing their use of armor to test for weaknesses in Ukraine's drone-based defense in different frontline areas, or the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) may be able to sufficiently repair damaged frontline armor or resupply frontline Russian units with armor,” the analysts suggested.

It is also assumed that the Russian forces may have raised their acceptable risk level for armored vehicle losses, possibly as part of testing new tactics or operational concepts.

Change in Russian tactics regarding armored vehicles

In April, analysts reported that after a period of limited use, the Russian army began deploying armored vehicles more extensively, having changed its tactics. However, the Defense Forces continued to inflict significant damage on the Russian army.

The report noted that since late autumn, Russian troops have been increasing mechanized attacks using civilian vehicles, motorcycles, and buggies.

Experts believed this shift was likely due to concerns over unjustified armored vehicle losses during the summer and early autumn of 2024.