Russian New Military Strategy against Ukraine? Explained

Russian tactics to breach Ukrainian defenses have shifted away from massive armored offensives toward more discreet and calculated infiltration operations. Instead of deploying large columns of tanks or mechanized units, which have often been blunted by Ukrainian defensive fortifications and constant drone surveillance, Russian forces increasingly rely on small, dismounted infantry groups. These units specialize in slipping through less fortified or poorly guarded sections of the frontline, sometimes referred to as “total infiltration” operations, allowing them to bypass strongpoints and penetrate deep into Ukrainian-held territory. Once a gap is found, these small teams move quietly through it, aiming to outflank fixed defenses rather than fight head-on. They often seize patches of ground, fortify them, and then call for reinforcements to consolidate their foothold. Some of these infiltration units—often create Chaos or reconnaissance teams—push as far as 10 to 17 kilometers which is about 10 miles behind Ukrainian positions, creating narrow salients that put critical transport links and logistics hubs at risk. This method enables the Russians to threaten supply lines and force Ukrainian commanders to divert resources to plug these breaches. The approach benefits from Russia’s manpower advantage. By applying pressure simultaneously at multiple points along the front, they overstretch an already undermanned Ukrainian defense, forcing it to cover more ground than it can effectively protect. Drones remain a key part of this strategy, not just for spotting targets but for guiding artillery and airstrikes, though the real focus is on exploiting disorganization and catching understaffed Ukrainian units off guard. The assaults tend to be small-scale and near-constant, chipping away at defenses over time and steadily creating openings for deeper advances. Recent developments near Dobropillia and Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region offer a clear example. Here, Russian infiltration tactics allowed them to slip through localized defenses, threatening to sever Ukrainian supply routes and potentially encircle key urban centers. These gains came by bypassing heavily fortified positions, focusing instead on weaker segments, and holding captured ground despite taking significant casualties. However, such tactics do not deliver instant, sweeping victories. Ukrainian forces have adapted by deploying their own drones, laying extensive minefields, and relying on indirect fire to disrupt and repel infiltration teams. While Russian progress has been visible in certain sectors, it is slow, costly, and requires further effort to turn initial penetrations into broader territorial control. The battle has become a grinding contest of patience and endurance, with Russia probing for weaknesses and Ukraine working to seal them before they turn into decisive breakthroughs. Credit to : AiTelly

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