Russian commanders are reportedly continuing to gather their troops in large groups, making them vulnerable to long-range missile strikes by Ukrainian forces, as per a US think tank. The Institute for the Study of War revealed that Ukraine recently targeted a gathering of Russian troops in Donetsk Oblast, east Ukraine, leading to outrage among Russian milbloggers.
The think tank highlighted concerns among Russian milbloggers regarding Ukrainian forces exploiting poor Russian operational security practices, such as assembling in exposed areas that are easily detected by Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance. The well-timed and precise strikes using HIMARS missiles have caused discontent in the Russian information space.
According to reports, a Ukrainian missile strike during an awards ceremony on February 27 resulted in the deaths of 19 soldiers, including a brigade commander and other senior officers, with 12 others injured. The ISW noted that despite Ukrainian drone surveillance of the site, Russian commanders proceeded with the ceremony, leading to the tragic outcome.
Ukraine has been consistently using US-made HIMARS missiles to target Russian troops gathering behind the front lines. Recent strikes include hitting a Russian training ground in Donetsk, resulting in 60 casualties, and another in Kherson Oblast, where an unknown number of troops were killed.
Additionally, Ukraine has employed exploding drones to target groups of Russian troops and armored vehicles attempting to breach Ukrainian defensive lines. Russian milbloggers have criticized the ineptitude of Russian commanders, attributing the casualties to their poor decision-making.
The use of airborne drones has revolutionized warfare in Ukraine, providing extensive battlefield surveillance capabilities and making troop gatherings increasingly perilous. The provision of advanced missiles like HIMARS by Western allies has empowered Ukraine to strike Russian targets from considerable distances.
Despite Ukraine's effective utilization of drones and other weaponry, the country is facing challenges due to ammunition shortages caused by an aid block by US Republicans. Russia's military advances have been hindered by issues with command, impacting its invasion strategy since the initial stages of the conflict.
In a significant development earlier in February, Russia managed to seize control of the village of Avdiikva from Ukraine, marking its most substantial gain in the war in months but at a significant cost in casualties.
