Headline: Russian Forces Rely Increasingly on Camouflage to Hide in Urban Warfare
Subheadline: Countering Ukraine‘s Defense: Enemy’s Evolving Tactics in City Combat
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian forces have been adapting their tactics to counter Ukrainian defenders’ stronghold in urban environments. A representative of the operatively-strategic group "Horlivka" (Horlivka OOS), Viktor Treгубов, revealed that enemy troops are relying more on anti-thermal camouflage to remain undetected, particularly during nighttime and low-visibility conditions like fog or heavy weather.
Enemy втор gorge into Ukrainian-held districts
Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces have attempted to infiltrate Ukrainian positions in residential areas of several towns, including Kurakhove, Horlivka, Tоретzk, and Volchansk. Treгубов highlighted that these incursions mostly occur at night or in poor visibility, making the enemy’s stealth tactic even more formidable.
Russian troops, composed of alumni and heavy hitters like the 8th and 29th armies, the 90th tank division, and 20th and 5th/110th separate motorized rifle divisions, are deploying in small groups and navigating through cityscapes, attempting to outmaneuver Ukrainian forces. Despite conveying a smaller presence, Treгубов warns that their strength remains considerable.
Adapting to city combat
As urban warfare continues, both sides are exploiting the unique challenges and advantages offered by dense urban areas. Ukrainian forces, having gained valuable experience in defending cities, are proving to be adept at unexpected mobility, routinely changing positions to minimize losses from enemy artillery strikes.
Meanwhile, Russian forces, while less willing to risk the lives of their soldiers compared to Ukrainian defenders, employ unconventional tactics, such as sending waves of soldiers to identify Ukrainian positions by drawing fire. Yet, logistical challenges remain a significant issue for the Russian army as they venture further from primary supply routes.
Fighting in cities: A brutal reality
Veteran soldier and ATO participant, Yevheniy Diydykyy, described city street warfare’s brutal nature, where battles for individual buildings and even stairwells can be incredibly intense and prolonged. Despite the horrendous conditions, Ukrainian forces have consistently slowed Russian advances in urban combat due to their tenacity and strategic prowess.
