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Russia's Summer Offensive in Ukraine Intensifies with Innovative Tactics

Small, fast-moving units take the fight to Ukraine as both sides adapt their strategies.

By Maria VarenikovaSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Russia's Summer Offensive in Ukraine Intensifies with Innovative Tactics
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

Russia's gains against Ukraine are noted as new tactics, including civilian vehicles, play a crucial role in the ongoing conflict.

Russia’s summer offensive, which commenced in May, is yielding significant gains in eastern Ukraine, with tactical shifts observed across various fronts. The conflict is intensifying near Kostyantynivka and in the Sumy region, as both Ukrainian and Russian forces innovate by utilizing motorcycles and civilian cars to traverse the challenging terrain swiftly.Recent reports indicate that Russian troops have successfully expanded their control over approximately 173 square miles last month, with a marked increase in territorial acquisition compared to preceding months. DeepState, a Ukrainian analytics organization that utilizes combat footage for conflict mapping, confirms that the forefront of this advance is concentrated in the Donetsk region and adjacent areas near the Russian border.This season's military engagements have emerged as a “renaissance of the cavalry,” as described by Col. Viktor Kevliuk, a reservist in the Ukrainian Army and a researcher at Ukraine’s Center for Defense Strategies. The adoption of modern vehicles has revolutionized warfare dynamics. While Russian forces employ civilian transportation to infiltrate and attack Ukrainian positions, Ukrainian troops are leveraging these vehicles to bolster their defensive capabilities and maintain supply lines.In the Sumy region, Russian advancements have been accompanied by the capture of numerous villages. This progression is slow yet persistent, characterized by small assault teams that engage Ukrainian defenses in waves. According to Colonel Kevliuk, this strategy allows for success to be built upon as new infantry groups replace those who have sustained their positions.The ongoing conflict continues to evolve, pushing both nations to adapt swiftly to emerging battlefield tactics and technologies.

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