Increase in Russian Military Losses Amidst Tactical Missteps
In the ongoing Ukraine war, Russian military bloggers have voiced increasing discontent over the significant losses their country is facing. Noteworthy is the fact that these bloggers, often seen as pro-Kremlin, are criticizing the tactical errors made by their own commanders. Such criticisms have been amplified by several incidents where Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted Russian military convoys crossing into contested areas.
Ukrainian Armed Forces Utilize NATO-Supplied Weapons
Recent approval from multiple NATO allies, including the United States, has seen Ukrainian forces leveraging these advanced weapons for defensive and offensive operations. Reports confirm multiple strikes against Russian military assets, particularly in areas close to the border, such as Belgorod Oblast and the Kursk region. For instance, a Ukrainian strike using Himars, a powerful multiple rocket launcher, successfully destroyed a Russian S-300/400 air defense system located around 60 kilometers from the Kharkiv front lines.
Tactical Blunders and Their Consequences
Numerous Russian military bloggers have taken to social media platforms to express their frustration. Videos and posts depict instances where long convoys of Russian military vehicles became easy targets for Ukrainian kamikaze drones. Bloggers argue that despite ongoing losses since the war's start in February 2022, Moscow has failed to adapt its strategies, leading to unnecessary risks and casualties.
A specific incident near Sudzha is a case in point. Ukrainian forces reportedly attacked a convoy causing considerable damage, with 12 Russian vehicles either destroyed or severely impacted. The repeated critique points to logistical oversights and the underestimation of Ukraine’s drone capabilities.
- The Institute for the Study of War has highlighted the strategic use of HIMARS and other American-supplied weaponry in recent Ukrainian operations. Reports suggest that the institute corroborated Ukraine's claim of successfully striking a Russian air defense battery within Belgorod Oblast. These attacks are part of a broader strategy to protect critical Ukrainian regions like Kharkiv.
- Ukrainian officials continue to push for more extensive use of Western weapons. Although granted limited permissions, they argue these tactical endorsements are crucial for maintaining defensive lines and countering Russian offensives. President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the importance of these weapons in deterring ongoing Russian airstrikes and defending key urban centers.
