Precise and systematic strikes by Ukrainian forces on the enemy’s key logistical arteries have triggered a large-scale crisis in the Russian army and forced the invaders to take desperate measures, urgently withdrawing air defense systems from the front lines.
War in Ukraine / Illustrative photo / © Associated Press
Over the past few months, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have managed to significantly undermine the offensive potential of the Russian invaders on the front lines. Systematic attacks on enemy logistical routes in the Sea of Azov are forcing the adversary to change tactics and lose firepower.
Pavel Lakiichuk, director of security programs at the Center for Globalistics “Strategy XXI,” spoke about the tangible consequences of Ukrainian strikes for the Russian army in a comment to “Kyiv24.”
Reduced Artillery Advantage and Shell Hunger
The expert compared the winter and summer periods and noted striking changes in the ratio of artillery forces. While in December-January, the Russian advantage in artillery volleys reached three to four times, in June-July it decreased to a factor of 1.5.
Although the occupation forces still maintain a certain fire advantage, the number of shells available to them has significantly decreased. This is a gradual and synergistic effect of constant pressure on Russian supply lines.
Fuel Crisis and Destruction of the Oil Terminal
A similar situation is observed with the supply of fuel and lubricants to the enemy army. Russia is already artificially creating a gasoline deficit, and despite the overproduction of diesel fuel, there is a catastrophic shortage directly within the troops.
The main problem for the occupiers lies in the inability to safely deliver this fuel to their units through the territory of Crimea and other logistical hubs. Transport arteries are under constant fire control, which disrupts all supply chains.
A significant bonus in this struggle was the destruction of the so-called virtual oil terminal at the entrance to the Kerch Strait. Pavel Lakiichuk called this successful strike by Ukrainian forces a real jackpot that further complicated the invaders’ lives.
Withdrawal of Air Defense and Changing Situation at the Front
To protect its shadow fleet and remaining logistics near the Kerch Strait, the Russian command is forced to take desperate measures. They are withdrawing some combat units and expensive anti-aircraft missile systems from the front lines and redeploying them to the rear.
This information is also confirmed by Ukrainian military personnel on the ground. In particular, a drone systems unit recorded that a significant portion of the forces of the enemy group “Rubicon” and the Russian Black Sea Fleet are now exclusively engaged in guarding logistical routes, rather than combat operations.
The ultimate goal of such systemic strikes on Russian rear areas is to fundamentally change the disposition directly on the line of contact. The weakening of enemy artillery and air defense at the front provides the Ukrainian Defense Forces with new opportunities for successful combat operations.
Recall that Russia’s shadow fleet is suffering systemic losses due to attacks by Ukrainian drones. In the Sea of Azov, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have already hit over a hundred Russian vessels. Just last night, Ukrainian drones damaged 11 enemy objects in the waters.
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