Purportedly Russian VDV pinned down in a gunfight in the vicinity of Bakhmut. The one functional IFV generates smoke and departs the scene early in the video, leaving the dismounts to fend for themselves. One looks as though he attempts to hitch a ride aboard the vehicle as it departs. The remainder take what cover they can, some using a destroyed vehicle for cover, others tucking into micro-terrain near the road. Every building in frame is smashed into dust. Little is seen of the Ukrainians engaging them except for tracers and round impacts. Based on a second video that I have seen, most of these men die.

Russian VDV units are paratrooper units and consider themselves elite soldiers. Despite being labeled airborne or air assault troops, they are essentially mechanized infantry, employing BMD infantry fighting vehicles. Many of these divisions suffered significant casualties early in the war and have since been reconstituted, sometimes multiple times over. These formations lack the combat potential they possessed eighteen months ago, are being thrown into the chum machine that is Bakhmut in an attempt to prevent Ukrainian forces from encircling the city. Given the result of this engagement, I am not sure if the overall effort is successful, or if it will be worth the price.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through sailing.