The Ukrainian Offensive
It’s clear to both Russian and western observers that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are formulating a counter-offensive with three brigades comprising 90,000 troops. These brigades will be backed by light vehicles, much like the ones the UAF used in the October thunder run offensive. They will also undoubtedly be supported by drone-assisted artillery, mortars, and T-72s-Ukraine’s most prevalent main battle tank.
The Ukrainians used the thunder run tactic with these vehicles to pierce dug-in Russian positions and circumvent them in the fall offensive last year. The attacks routed enemy frontline forces exposing logistical support vehicles behind the lines.
Thunder runs are designed to break defensive warfare by utilizing small avenues of attack pre-cleared of mines and heavy emplacements. These attacks essentially cut swathes in enemy lines using armoured vehicles that are able to move quickly and lay down a debilitating amount of fire. The Americans did this in Iraq with Abrams and Bradleys, causing whole cities to capitulate. Some consider thunder runs mini blitzkriegs, however they are more of a evolved localized blitzkrieg.
Regardless, it’s a horrifying thing to expose troops who have been embroiled in methodical trench warfare for five months. The speed and veracity of thunder runs can overrun, encircle and quickly isolate pockets of resistance. This…
