Montage footage (because even Rocky had a montage) of Ukrainian soldiers of the 12th National Guard Brigade defending in the Kreminna Forrest. If the music is any indication they might be in the Matrix. Many systems are on display, including machine guns, grenade launchers, RPGs and other shoulder-fired rockets, and the soldiers seem to be equipped with M-16 or AR variants. Incoming rounds are clearly visible, and the video shows a wounded soldier being evacuated. The defenders are seen fighting out of their holes, indicating that they might have engaged in active patrolling or local counterattacks. The Ukrainian defensive works have some measure of overhead cover and concealment, which is lacking in many Russian trenches, and the focus, and the willingness to stay mobile and engage in active patrolling is more effective than squatting in trenches and cowering in dugouts like mole people.

Kreminna is a hamlet in Luhansk, north of Bakhmut and currently located behind Russian lines. According to the original post, the Ukrainians are defending the Kreminna Forrest to the east of Severodonetsk, where Russian forces are engaged in local counterattacks. I do not say “counteroffensive” as that implies a larger-scale effort and greater levels of coordination than are being demonstrated. While Ukraine has focused offensive efforts in the vicinity of Bakhmut and in the south, Russia has attempted to regain territory in the north and to draw Ukrainian combat power from its offensive operations elsewhere. Russian offensive actions have made marginal gains but at substantial costs, and Ukraine seems willing to trade space for time and the let the Russian army bleed out, while the Ukrainian Army commits its best units to decisive operations.

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.