Title: Russia‘s Battered Armor: The Rise of Soviet ‘Zhiguli‘ in Ukraine War
Russia’s once-formidable armored fleet is showing signs of wear and tear, with expert analysis suggesting that the Kremlin’s assault groups may soon be switching to makeshift vehicles like Soviet-era "Zhiguli" cars in their battle against Ukrainian forces. This shift in tactics has been driven by Russia’s struggle to replenish its losses, with around 15,000 armored vehicles claimed since the conflict began in 2022.
A New Era of Assault Vehicles?
Russian tactics seem to be evolving, with groups now using unconventional vehicles to probe Ukrainian defenses before launching attacks. Sightings of Soviet-era VAZ "Zhiguli" cars, affectionately known as "malyshka" or "baby" cars, have been reported, including an incident where a pair attempted to breach Ukrainian positions on the Luhansk front.
One social media user shared footage of this unusual sight, captioning it "another Russian Mad Max-style frontline attack." However, the Ukrainian military was quick to respond, using drone strikes to disable at least one of the vehicles and neutralize its crew.
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A similar incident occurred near Pokrovsk last week, where a Russian column of seven vehicles and trucks attempted to storm Ukrainian positions. Notably, one of the vehicles bore the Soviet flag. The Ukrainian military claimed to have destroyed all the enemy vehicles, using special attention on the one bearing the Soviet insignia.
Russia’s Brokeback Fleet
Russia’s armored vehicle losses have been staggering, with up to 15,000 units reportedly destroyed since the conflict began. Russian defense industries have struggled to keep pace with these staggering losses, forcing Putin’s army to consider dramatic alternatives.
In October, the UK’s Defense Ministry revealed that Russia was resorting to mobilizing everyday vehicles to serve as makeshift armored vehicles, including模で車. This development underscores the desperate situation of Russia’s depleted armored forces.
Battle for Donbass
As the battle for Donbass intensifies, with Putin aiming to control the region by March 2024, analysts predict that Russian forces may increasingly rely on these unconventional vehicles, such as Soviet-era "Zhiguli" cars. While these makeshift alternatives may provide some strategic advantage, they remain highly vulnerable to modern countermeasures and underscore the broader challenges facing Putin’s military offensive.
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Source: Forbes, Dialog.UA, UK’s Defense Ministry
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