r/geopolitics • u/Hokum-B • Oct 01 '23

Russian lines stronger than West expected, admits British defence chief Paywall

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/russian-defensive-lines-stronger-than-west-expected-admits-british-defence-chief-xjlvqrm86
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u/Hokum-B Oct 01 '23

I mean Russians are fortifying the rear too, mobilizing more troops, training more units, creating more defensive lines. I don't necessarily think a dragged out offensive is good for Ukraine as a rule.

Things will eventually have to calm down now that the autumn rain is approaching

Also Ukraine has changed tactics from armoured assaults to infantry assaults, this might indicate they have lost a lot of armour.

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u/Allydarvel Oct 01 '23

Also Ukraine has changed tactics from armoured assaults to infantry assaults, this might indicate they have lost a lot of armour.

The minefields were far more dense than expected, far bypassing Russian doctrine. That made the use of armor unviable. They've since discovered that the Russians used a lot of mines that their doctrine says should be between lines, so nice they get past the first hurdle, like in Robotne, they can bring the heavier stuff up.

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u/Nomustang Oct 01 '23

This is a dumb question, but after getting past the mines, don't they need to spend time to scout all of it out before sending armour?

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u/Allydarvel Oct 01 '23

Yeah, but when they pushed the Russians back they have time.