Russia's strategy: the exploitation of conscripted soldiers
Approximately 40,000 Russian soldiers are involved in attacks on Avdiivka in the Donetsk region. Their losses are staggering as unprepared and poorly equipped soldiers are thrust onto the front lines. A similar strategy was observed in Bakhmut.
11:28 AM EDT, October 31, 2023
Following the mobilization announcement by Vladimir Putin, more Russians have fled the country than those who have enlisted in military units. Several of those who failed to escape were conscripted into the military and voiced serious complaints about their living conditions before being dispatched to the frontlines.
Conscripted soldiers sent to the frontline are often considered mere cannon fodder. The Institute of War Studies reports that the Russian forces continue to heavily rely on Storm-Z assault units, primarily formed of prisoner recruits, in leading direct infantry attacks.
As per "Ukrainian Pravda", the Russian army is planning to execute "meat storms" (frontal infantry attacks - editor) around Avdiivka. The army is currently preparing Storm-Z units for future offensives... but without providing adequate equipment and vehicles.
"Meat attacks" occur when the Russian infantry charges without artillery support, as stated in the article.
Storm-Z assault units facing the Avdiivka front and the city of Bakhmut's southern flank are frequently decimated within a few days of active engagement, losing between 40-70 percent of their personnel on average.
A Russian military blogger has claimed that Storm-Z units often go into combat without conducting reconnaissance or establishing communication with neighboring units. They usually attempt to evacuate wounded soldiers without artillery cover, which typically results in even higher casualty rates.
Putin's new strategy
Anton Herashchenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, asserts that Putin is awaiting the outcomes of the elections in both the US and Russia. After the latter, Putin is anticipated to initiate a new wave of mobilization. He also projects that if new conflicts arise, global assistance for Ukraine may be suspended or reduced.
For Ukraine, this translates into daily losses of our defenders and civilians, destruction of infrastructure, severe economic burdens, deepening psychological trauma, and incredible exhaustion, he explains.
