August M
Reports from the battlefield suggest a shift in tactics in southern Ukraine.
Officials warn the changes could increase risks for civilians in contested areas.
According to United24Media, citing Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), Russian forces are attempting to advance on the Orikhiv front by wearing civilian clothing to avoid detection from aerial surveillance.
The agency said it had obtained an audio intercept of Russian soldiers, which it published on April 30.
Alleged violations
“Muscovites from the 7th Air Assault Division of the Russian Armed Forces are grossly violating international humanitarian law in the Orikhiv direction. To somehow advance and avoid receiving a ‘greeting’ from the sky from Ukraine’s Defense Forces, the invaders are disguising themselves as civilians,” HUR said.
Ukrainian officials argue that such actions breach the laws of war and put non-combatants at greater risk.
They warned that those responsible would face consequences.
“For every war crime committed against Ukraine, there will be fair retribution,” the agency stated.
Appeal to soldiers
HUR also addressed Russian troops directly, urging them not to take part in such practices.
“Every Russian serviceman who does not want to take part in war crimes has a chance to save his life—by contacting the secure Telegram bot of the ‘I Want to Live’ project,” the agency said.
The message forms part of a broader campaign encouraging defections.
Ongoing tactics
United24Media reports that similar tactics have been observed previously, including attempts to infiltrate Ukrainian positions using small groups disguised as civilians.
Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, said such efforts have been repeatedly repelled.
“Beyond the large number of UAVs, the current war along all sections of the eastern front is marked by demonstrative attempts by the Russians to infiltrate cities with assault groups, sometimes dressed in civilian clothing,” he said.
Wider battlefield context
Kovalenko added that these operations are often combined with broader manoeuvres, including attempts to flank and encircle Ukrainian positions using aerial bombs and drones.
Earlier incidents have also been reported in southern Ukraine, where similar infiltration attempts were detected and stopped.
The latest claims highlight the evolving nature of frontline tactics as both sides adapt to surveillance and combat conditions.
Sources: United24Media, Ukraine Defense Intelligence (HUR)
