A short drone shot of Russian tanks destroyed by Ukrainian mines. The Russians have launched attacks in various locations along the front intended to draw Ukrainian combat power from sectors in which they are enjoying some success. This is likely near Avdiivka, where a Ukrainian salient juts into the line like a dagger aimed towards the city of Donetsk. The Russians launched attacks against Ukrainian positions from three directions, intent on enveloping and destroying the pocket. This move was expected by the Ukrainians, who prepared their defenses with mines, anti-tank weapons, and pre-planned artillery targets. The attacks were awkward and poorly coordinated, reminiscent of the failed attempts on Vuhledar, and some Ukrainian sources estimate Russian losses in excess of thirty-four tanks and ninety armored vehicles.

Tenacious Ukrainian defenses in places like Avdiivka are permitting the Ukrainian Army to focus combat power at places like Robotyne and Bakhmut where they have seen some success. For the Russians, these acts of self-immolation are a byproduct of shifting units laterally along the front from hot spot to hot spot, and the subsequent confused command relationships which result in haphazard planning and poor command and control. Furthermore, unsustainable losses, poorly trained replacements, and the failure to rotate units off the line has resulted in gutted force of zombies, beaten into sullen compliance and crouching in holes like mole-people until it is time to stumble forward towards a certain fate.

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 Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing is preparing for its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission at Tri-Sail.Org.