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The Evolution of Russian Tactics: A New Challenge on Ukraine's Battlefield

By WOM

May 19, 2023

SUMMARY

  • After initial setbacks in the invasion of Ukraine, Russia's military has undergone a tactical transformation, as analyzed by London-based think tank, the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
  • The new, strategically sound, better coordinated, and more reactive Russian military poses a formidable challenge for Ukraine's impending counteroffensive to reclaim captured territory.
  • Despite the Russian military's early failures, they have adapted, employing extensive artillery fire and advanced electronic warfare systems with increased effectiveness.

Although Russia's military endeavors have faced severe criticism and been widely denounced in Western media due to early setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine, this narrative has gradually shifted. According to a comprehensive analysis conducted by a leading military think tank based in London, the Russian military has undergone a significant transformation. As the conflict continues, these analysts reveal an evolving Russian military that is more strategically sound, better coordinated, and more responsive — a force that presents a significant challenge in defense.

A paradigm shift has been observed in the way Russia's military now operates. Its current form poses a daunting challenge for Ukraine as it strategizes a counteroffensive to retake captured regions. In a recent report by Jack Watling and Nick Reynolds, renowned specialists in land warfare at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the evolving Russian tactics in the second year of Ukraine's invasion have been thoroughly scrutinized.

The intricacies of Russian defense indicate that Ukraine has a demanding task ahead. The military might required to breach Russian lines is massive, with extensive Russian fortifications across the front, which makes circumventing them nearly impossible. The strategic adjustments Russia has made after initial blunders that led to significant losses have set the country on a war footing and bolstered its defenses.

An enhanced synergy of systems has been observed, leading to improved performance compared to the previous year. Being on the defensive has allowed the Russian military to better combine arms, a task that proves more challenging during offensive operations. Their current stance aligns closer with the pre-war expectations set for them. The Russian military now employs an extensive artillery fire for defense and utilizes advanced electronic warfare systems targeted at defeating UAVs or drones, displaying a previously unanticipated level of effectiveness.

Despite the setbacks, Russia faced in its early offensive operations in Ukraine; a staunch resistance persists. The Russian military's earlier failures resulted from flawed planning, inadequate equipment, and poorly trained troops. They miscalculated Ukraine's resilience and the extent of international support for Kyiv. Nevertheless, Russia remains unwavering in its resolve. While no considerable territorial advances have been made by either side, anticipation is building around Ukraine's impending counteroffensive.


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