Russia may prepare new tactic for offensive operations in Ukraine in summer and fall - ISW
Russian forces may update their assault tactics (Photo: Getty Images)
The Russian military leadership is likely preparing to systematically integrate the use of motorcycles into offensive operations in Ukraine during the summer and fall of this year. This may be linked to the threat posed to the Russian army by Ukrainian drones.
These conclusions were drawn by experts from the Institute for the Study of War, according to a report by ISW.
According to American analysts, this is likely Russia’s attempt to compensate for the experience of Ukrainian drone operators.
The report notes that on April 26, the Russian Ministry of Defense released footage showing the practice of offensive and defensive tactics using motorcycles in groups of 2-3 people on a training ground. The video likely features elements of the 299th (Airborne) Regiment of the Airborne Forces (98th Airborne Division of Russia).
The footage shows that the Russian military may be developing a tactical doctrine for the systematic offensive use of motorcycles. Additionally, ISW suggests that they are likely preparing to issue an increased number of motorcycles to Russian personnel in Ukraine.
As stated by Colonel Pavlo Shamshyn, spokesperson for the Ukrainian military grouping in Kharkiv, Ukrainian intelligence has noted that Russian invaders are training their soldiers in motorcycle combat tactics. This indicates that Russian forces are likely to increasingly use motorcycles in offensive operations in Ukraine during the summer and fall of 2025.
Shamshyn also noted that motorcycles allow Russian forces to increase speed and maneuverability, which is crucial for avoiding strikes from Ukrainian drones. However, he added that the loud noise of the motorcycle prevents the rider from hearing the approach of Ukrainian UAVs.
ISW highlighted that they are observing a growing trend among Russian units conducting mechanized and combined motorized assaults, transporting infantry with motorcycles and civilian vehicles across the entire front line.
The Institute added that the Russian command continues to adapt its tactics to counter Ukrainian drone strikes and is likely attempting to mitigate the limitations on Russian forces' equipment due to significant losses of armored vehicles in the summer and early autumn of 2024.
Specifically, the ISW report mentions that recently, Russian forces made progress during a motorized assault near Bahatyr, which was entirely composed of motorcycles and civilian vehicles.
Motorcycle attacks by Russian forces
About a week ago, the soldiers of the 28th Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter March of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported how they shattered a Russian biker assault on the approaches to their positions in the Toretsk direction.
Russian forces have actively started using motorcycles, hoping for their maneuverability to storm Ukrainian positions. However, they continuously fall under the precise fire of Ukrainian drone operators.
Recently, over a day, the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed around 20 motorcycles and at least 20 units of enemy equipment, including tanks, BMPs, and MTLBs. The total enemy losses are estimated at up to 200 infantrymen.
Also, in early April, the Ukrainian Armed Forces stopped an attempt by Russian forces to break through on motorcycles near Kramatorsk. At that time, drone operators destroyed 18 motorcyclists who attempted to break through to the front-line positions using the foggy weather as cover.
Earlier, it was reported that in the Bakhmut direction, the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed six Russian motorcycles.
