Russian forces have been employing a tactic of using head-on attacks with waves of troops to identify Ukrainian firepower positions, according to a Ukrainian officer speaking to BBC News. The Ukrainian troops near Kharkiv described these attacks as “meat assaults.” Lt Col Anton Bayev of the Khartia Brigade of Ukraine’s National Guard explained that the Russian forces use these assaults to locate the Ukrainian firing equipment and wear down the Ukrainian units constantly.
The relentless waves of Russian attacks have put a strain on the Ukrainian soldiers both physically and psychologically. The Ukrainian troops are forced to fight off multiple waves of enemies every day, making it difficult for them to maintain their positions. Russia, being a larger country with a manpower advantage, uses these attacks to overwhelm the Ukrainian positions. The tactic has caused Russia to suffer significant casualties in the ongoing conflict.
Despite the casualties suffered by the Russian forces, they have continued to use the “meat assault” tactics in their attacks on Ukrainian cities. The Russian commanders have been criticized for their unapologetic approach that shows indifference to the lives of their troops. Lt Col Bayev mentioned that the Russians leave their dead and wounded on the battlefield, indicating that their main goal is to exhaust the enemy forces.
Reports from UK military intelligence suggest that Russian casualties reached a peak in May, with around 1,200 troops lost per day. Russia has been able to replenish its troop numbers through various means, including offering lucrative military contracts, drafting prisoners, and recruiting foreign mercenaries. Despite the incremental successes achieved by Russia, the Ukrainian troops continue to defend their positions against the relentless attacks.
