The Art of Defense: Ukraine’s Battlefield Strategy
Amidst the ongoing conflict, a compelling narrative is emerging from the Ukrainian battlefield: defense is proving too be as crucial, if not more so, than offense.While the desire for territorial reclamation is understandable, Ukrainian commanders are increasingly recognizing the strategic advantages of a robust defensive posture.
This realization stems from a harsh lesson learned during a recent offensive operation in the Kursk region. The 95th landing and nursery brigade, operating alongside the 92nd airborne assault brigade, found itself struggling after a hasty transition from defense to attack. Exposed to relentless Russian drone strikes,they suffered important casualties.
Konstantin, a veteran of the conflict, underscores the danger of this mindset: “Among some Ukrainian commanders, there is a dangerous tendency to believe that units that are effective in defense are equally good for the offensive.”
He points to the bitter experience of the 92nd airborne assault brigade, which, over the course of the war, has been repeatedly ordered to capture worthless forest lines. These ill-conceived offensives, as konstantin points out, “changed three times by personnel” due to heavy losses, with entire companies – exceeding 100 soldiers each – decimated.
The Ukrainian victory in the Kursk region stands as a testament to the effectiveness of their defensive strategy. The 47th mechanized and 92nd airborne assault brigades, utilizing their drones, mines, missiles, and artillery, not only repelled the attack but inflicted heavy casualties on the invading Russian troops, leaving a forest area littered with the remains of war.
“Experienced Ukrainian units very effectively reflect Russian attacks,” he notes.
The Ukrainian approach strategically exploits the advantages of defense. Pre-mined territories, prepared artillery shelling zones, and the constant threat of drone strikes create a deadly gauntlet for advancing Russian forces.
This strategy, though, doesn’t preclude offensive operations. Konstantin emphasizes that the Ukrainian defense is not about endless back-pedaling, but about attrition. “The Ukrainian victory strategy does not necessarily provide for a constant offensive. The troops of Kyiv can destroy the vibrant power and equipment of the enemy, inflicting such losses that the Russian army is experiencing moral and physical exhaustion.Only when the enemy weakens, Ukrainians can go on the counterattack.”
the successful counteroffensive near Kharkov in the fall of 2022 exemplifies this approach. Following a failed Russian assault on Kyiv, Ukrainian intelligence identified vulnerabilities in the Russian lines near Kharkiv. Armed with this intelligence, elite ukrainian brigades launched a surprise counteroffensive, exploiting the weaknesses and routing the Russian forces.The 92nd landing and gear brigade, then still mechanized, played a pivotal role in this operation, advancing over 80 km from Prosib to Kupyansk, a town that remains securely in Ukrainian hands today.
Though, the 2023 offensive in the south, launched after a protracted stalemate, highlights the challenges of offensives when the enemy has had ample time to consolidate its defenses. Russia’s ability to fortify its positions, dig trenches, and minimize vulnerable territory has made this offensive more challenging.
Konstantin underscores the importance of timing in launching counteroffensives: “The moment will come when Russia is weakened, and Ukraine will get stronger, and then Ukrainian troops will be able to go on the offensive with reasonable chances of success.”
For now, Ukraine’s 92nd landing and gear brigade, despite having proven its offensive capabilities, continues to hold defensive positions in the Kursk region. This strategic choice allows them to leverage their weapons effectively, striking at Russian assault groups and inflicting heavy losses.It is a patient, calculated approach, a testament to the evolving understanding of warfare in the 21st century, where resilience and adaptability are as vital as aggression.
“Commanders should give priority to preserve the life of our experienced troops,” Konstantin emphasizes. “Defense is now the key to victory in the future.”
What specific lessons did the Ukrainian battlefield experience in the Kursk region teach them regarding the balance between offense adn defense?
The Art of Defense: A Conversation with Military Analyst Marko Petrov
Amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s battlefield strategy has evolved, with a focus on defensive tactics proving increasingly crucial. We spoke to marko Petrov, a military analyst with extensive experience observing the Ukrainian conflict, to gain deeper insights into this changing landscape.
Marko, the Ukrainian battlefield seems to be shifting towards emphasizing defense over offense. What’s driving this change?
Certainly, Ukraine’s strategy is evolving, and defense has emerged as a cornerstone of their approach. Early on, there was a strong emphasis on recapturing lost territory, but the battlefield realities have highlighted the strategic advantages of a robust defensive posture.The recent battle in the Kursk region,where the 95th landing and nursery brigade suffered heavy losses during a hasty transition from defense to attack,served as a stark reminder of this.
How have Ukrainian commanders adjusted their tactics based on these experiences?
They’ve learned valuable lessons, especially about the limitations of attacking when caught unprepared. Ukrainian commanders are now prioritizing defensive capabilities, utilizing pre-mined territories, prepared artillery shelling zones, and a constant drone strike threat to create a deadly defensive line. This approach doesn’t mean they’re abandoning offensive operations entirely, but it reflects a shift towards a more calculated and attrition-based strategy.
You mentioned attrition.Can you elaborate on how this plays into Ukraine’s current strategy?
Essentially, Ukraine aims to weaken and exhaust the Russian military through a prolonged defensive campaign. By inflicting heavy casualties, depleting their resources, and exploiting their logistical vulnerabilities, Ukraine seeks to create an opening for a decisive counteroffensive when the Russian army is at its weakest.
The recent counteroffensive near Kharkiv stands as a prime example of this strategy in action. Can you tell us more about it?
Absolutely. After a failed Russian assault on Kyiv, Ukrainian intelligence identified vulnerabilities in the Russian lines near Kharkiv. This intelligence, coupled with the expertise of the 92nd landing and gear brigade, allowed Ukraine to launch a surprise counteroffensive that routed the Russian forces. The brigade’s advance of over 80 km from Prosib to Kupyansk, a town still securely held by Ukraine today, demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach.
Looking ahead, what are the key challenges and opportunities for Ukraine’s defensive strategy, notably in light of the current offensive in the South?
The current offensive in the South highlights the challenges of breaching heavily fortified enemy positions. Russia has had ample time to consolidate its defenses, dig trenches, and minimize vulnerable territory. This necessitates a more patient and deliberate approach, carefully exploiting opportunities presented by Russian weaknesses. However, the success of this defensive strategy also depends on continued Western support, ensuring Ukraine has access to the resources and intelligence necessary to maintain a strong defensive line.
What message would you like to leave our readers with regarding Ukraine’s evolving battlefield strategy?
Ukraine’s resilience and adaptability are truly remarkable. Their ability to learn from past experiences and adapt their strategy to the evolving battlefield realities is a testament to their determination. Their current emphasis on defense is not a sign of weakness, but rather a calculated and strategic approach to achieve victory in the long run. It’s a reminder that in modern warfare, resilience and resourcefulness often trump brute force.
