Kathrine Frich
A Ukrainian commander known by the codename Bobruk has described how the nature of warfare in Donetsk has changed dramatically.
A Ukrainian commander known by the codename Bobruk has described how the nature of warfare in Donetsk has changed dramatically.
Ukraine commander reveals disturbing new Russian tactic
Bobruk was sent on a 90-day deployment to Novoekonomichne, just a few miles east of Pokrovsk.
After returning, he spoke about Russia’s evolving tactics on the front line and the dangers his men face every day.
From tanks to motorbikes: Russia’s changing attacks
Bobruk explained that the massive armoured assaults seen early in the war have largely disappeared.
“We saw enemy armour literally three times total in 90 days. It’s only men now, just meat,” he said.
In place of tanks, Russia is now sending small, fast groups into Ukrainian positions.
Mass motorbike charges with deadly results
One of the most shocking developments has been Russia’s use of motorbikes for rapid attacks.
Bobruk described an incident where 112 bikes carrying two soldiers each, 224 men in total, stormed Ukrainian positions.
“Barely ten of these 224 Russians survived,” he said, calling it an extraordinary loss of life.
Hidden danger: civilians who support Russia
Another challenge is the local population near the front.
“Many, many cases of this,” Bobruk explained. “Everyone still left in these places (near the front) are pro-Russian, many actively help them. We are constantly endangered by them.”
This support includes shelter, information, and food for Russian forces.
Russians disguised as civilians
Bobruk said his troops face an even more dangerous tactic: Russian soldiers dressed in civilian clothes.
“It was not uncommon to see small groups of Russians walking around in casual clothing,” he said.
This deception has led to ambushes when Ukrainian troops mistake fighters for harmless locals.
Fighting in pairs to survive drones
To avoid detection and strikes from Russian drones, Bobruk said his men now operate in very small groups.
“Even three soldiers together is already enough to almost guarantee a drone strike,” he warned.
Small, mobile units are now essential for survival on the front line.
‘Throwing meat constantly’ — no big offensive expected
Despite the constant attacks, Bobruk believes Russia is reaching its limits.
“They are already doing all that they can, throwing meat constantly,” he said.
He added that armoured vehicles no longer have the same effect as before and predicted there would be no major new Russian offensive soon.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
