Russia’s Brutal Low-Tech War in Ukraine Rages On
The Russian military is being ordered to fight in Ukraine with only firearms and shovels, according to an intelligence update from the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defense.[0] The shovels are likely entrenching tools being used for hand-to-hand combat, the update said.[1] This type of low-tech, brutal fighting has become increasingly common as Russia continues to insist on offensive action largely made up of dismounted infantry, due to a shortage of munitions.
Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu paid a rare visit to troops in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, according to a video released by his ministry.[2] Shoigu was inspecting infrastructure projects in the occupied southeastern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol and paid special attention to the creation of necessary conditions for the safe accommodation of personnel in field conditions,” the ministry said.[3]
Russia is also attempting to cut off the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut and is on the offensive along five axes in Ukraine’s east.[4] Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner group, Russia's largest paramilitary force, has accused the Russian military of starving his fighters of resources and bureaucratic incompetence.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with top commanders on Monday and his office said they were in favour of further strengthening positions in Bakhmut to continue the defensive operation.[5] Ukrainian forces have destroyed 3,414 enemy tanks, 6,692 armored combat vehicles, and 302 warplanes, according to the General Staff.[6]
The Russian military has suffered staggering losses in the conflict, with almost 200,000 troops killed or wounded and thousands of tanks and armored vehicles destroyed or captured by Ukraine.[6] The fighting in Bakhmut has intensified and a key bridge on a Ukrainian supply route has been destroyed.[7]
It is clear that the war in Ukraine has become increasingly brutal and low-tech as Russia continues to push for an offensive. Ukrainian forces are doing their best to hold their ground against the Russian onslaught, but the losses are mounting on both sides. It remains to be seen if the conflict will be resolved peacefully or if it will continue to escalate.
0. “Putin’s troops ‘left to fight with shovels’ as Russia suffers ammunition shortage” The Independent, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/putin-shovels-russia-troops-ukraine-b2294545.html
1. “Russian Troops Ordered to Fight With Shovels Amid Munitions Shortage, U.K. Defense Intel Says – HS Today” HSToday, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.hstoday.us/ukraine/russian-troops-ordered-to-fight-with-shovels-amid-munitions-shortage-u-k-defense-intel-says/
2. “Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 375” Al Jazeera English, 5 Mar. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/5/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-375
3. “Defense minister visits occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol” Egypt Independent, 6 Mar. 2023, https://egyptindependent.com/defense-minister-visits-occupied-ukrainian-city-of-mariupol/
4. “Ukraine Latest: Russia Continues Attempt to Cut Off Bakhmut” msnNOW, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukraine-latest-russia-continues-attempt-to-cut-off-bakhmut/ar-AA18gzvY?li=BBnbcA1
5. “Ukraine vows to fortify defences in frontline Bakhmut” CNA, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/ukraine-vows-fortify-defences-frontline-bakhmut-3328971
6. “Russia-Ukraine War Live Updates: Kyiv says forces fighting on in ‘utter hell' of Bakhmut battle” Times of India, 6 Mar. 2023, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-march-7-2023/liveblog/98460406.cms
7. “Russian reserve fighters not ‘psychologically prepared' for brutal war tactics in Ukraine” UPI News, 5 Mar. 2023, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2023/03/05/ukraine-russia-not-psychologically-prepared-brutal-war-tactics/3211678051396/
