Russia uses tactics of infantry invasions, strikes with guided aerial bombs at Ukraine front, military says
Photo: The Armed Forces of Ukraine explained current Russian combat tactics at the front (Getty Images)
Russia possesses endless manpower, which heavily influences its tactical approach on the battlefield, says Colonel Serhii Musiienko, Deputy Head of the Rocket Forces and Artillery of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
"How do the Russians operate? They are now using small group tactics, even 1-2 men run forward, into cover, accumulate, and then proceed to the assault. At the same time, they use armored vehicles and various vehicles such as motorcycles, quadrocycles, buggies, approaching our positions as quickly as possible and engaging in a gun battle on our positions," he said.
This tactic, the colonel notes, is consistently observed in Russian forces across the frontlines: waves of infantry assaults backed by heavy firepower.
"Therefore, artillerymen and strike drones (FPV and drops) protect the infantry from the enemy. No matter what shelter or equipped position our infantrymen are in, the main thing is to prevent the enemy from approaching them and prevent the loss of our positions," the military emphasized.
According to Musiienko, Russian forces need to be eliminated before they reach Ukrainian positions. In his opinion, the enemy has to be struck in areas of concentration, on advance routes, etc., because "relying on a gun battle is an extreme measure that cannot be allowed".
"The concept of long-range combat using all means of integrated fire support without involving our infantry must be fully implemented. This approach will save soldiers' lives and prevent them from losing their positions. The continuous delivery of airstrikes with guided bombs of various calibers, combined with waves of infantry, allows the enemy to achieve some success. Their main pressure comes from manpower as we are destroying their equipment," Musiienko explained.
The colonel notes that even if a small group of Russian soldiers breaches the Ukrainian defensive line and secures a position, dozens more – 20, 30, or even 40 soldiers – will follow. The enemy does not stand still, having endless human resources.
Situation on frontline
On November 17, there were 149 recorded combat clashes along the frontline, with the heaviest fighting concentrated in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions.
According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have been advancing near Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, and in the areas of Chasiv Yar, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar in the Donetsk region.
