A Russian convoy, purportedly supporting the 83rd Air Assault Brigade (83rd Paratroops Brigade) is engaged by Ukrainian artillery in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The trucks are stopped on the roadside, and at least two appear to be towing howitzers. Shells burst over the trucks, presumably variable time (VT) fuse munitions. One of the trucks catches fire and its cargo of ammunition explodes.

Reports on the presence of western-armed Ukrainian brigades on the front line in Zaporizhzhia and reports of significant fighting in that area support the theory that the Ukrainian main effort will drive south and attempt to sever the Russian land bridge with Crimea. The Kremlin has anticipated this course of action and Russian defenses are particularly robust in this sector. Since the onset of the war, the Russian Army has struggled to logistically support its forces. Leaving critical assets such as artillery batteries and ammunition trucks stationary and exposed, where they can be observed by reconnaissance drones and targeted by Ukrainian indirect fire, demonstrates that Russian logistics remain vulnerable, potentially depriving front-line troops of the resources required to sustain a defensive fight.

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.