Russia moves troops through Mariupol disguised as civilian vehicles
Photo: Russian military vehicles moving along a road (facebook.com/artsakhdefencearmy)
The Russians are stepping up their offensive in the northern part of the Donetsk region, but they are no longer moving forces through Mariupol in the usual large columns. Their logistics have changed, according to Petro Andriushchenko, head of the Center for the Study of the Occupation.
The Russians are now moving forces in small groups, using civilian vehicles as cover.
He noted that the entire convoy captured on video is for military purposes, although this is not always apparent from the outside. It is also accompanied by mobile fire support units.
Such movements are difficult to detect remotely, as they can be spotted primarily only through on-site observation.
Russia moves troops through Mariupol disguised as civilian vehicles pic.twitter.com/nowHdhIkRV
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) July 5, 2026
This indicates that Russia is attempting to make troop transfers through Mariupol more cautious.
“This clearly demonstrates how much more cautious and covert Russian military logistics have become,” Andriushchenko concluded.
Russian troops have also changed their offensive tactics due to heavy losses of equipment and personnel.
Instead of large-scale assaults with armored vehicles, they are increasingly attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian positions in groups of two or three soldiers.
Furthermore, Ukrainian long-range strikes are forcing Russian air defense systems to constantly relocate and deplete their resources at an accelerated pace.
