Russia’s ‘Meat Assault’ Tactics: The Human Cost of Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom

According to Lt Col Anton Bayev of the Khartia Brigade of Ukraine’s National Guard, Russia has been using head-on attacks with waves of troops as a tactic to identify Ukrainian firepower positions. The Ukrainian troops near Kharkiv described these attacks as “meat assaults.” The relentless waves of Russian attacks have put a strain on the Ukrainian soldiers both physically and psychologically. Despite this, Russia, being a larger country with a manpower advantage, uses these attacks to overwhelm the Ukrainian positions.

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. 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.

The Ukrainian troops are forced to fight off multiple waves of enemies every day, making it difficult for them to maintain their positions. 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. Despite incremental successes achieved by Russia, such as capturing Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine in recent months, the Ukrainian troops continue to defend their positions against these relentless attacks.