Russia has deployed a new tactic, using motorcycles in raids on Ukraine’s front lines. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian servicemen from the Vostok combat group have been actively using motorcycles and off-road bikes in their efforts to seize control of the village of Staromayorskoye and other settlements as they advance towards the Ugledar area in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defense’s press service revealed on June 30 that the Russian military has adopted a new tactic of using motorcycles to cross open fields, minimizing the risk of being attacked by Ukrainian drones and breaching the enemy’s defenses from the flanks.
“Motorcycles are used, for example, to penetrate enemy lines and raid specific positions if these positions have been previously suppressed by artillery or drones,” retired Russian army colonel and military analyst Viktor Litovkin told Sputnik.
“The Russian military initially stuns the enemy with artillery or missiles, then quickly advances to the area. While the enemy is in disarray, motorcycle brigades appear and attack,” Litovkin explained.
The Russian colonel compared the current motorcycle assaults to cavalry charges of the previous century.
The New York Times asserted that this tactic could be useful when crossing mine-laden fields.
“In the field, motorcycle riders have a good view and can maneuver to avoid mines,” the New York Times observed.
However, according to Litovkin, the American newspaper’s assessment is meaningless, as such actions would equate to a suicide mission. He noted that to get motorcycles across the field, more strategic planning is required.
Western media last week cited Ukrainian soldiers deployed on the front lines, reporting that Russian troops are increasingly using motorcycles, off-road bikes, and all-terrain vehicles in attacks in Ukraine.
The New York Times acknowledged that this “unconventional” tactic has proven effective, and the Russian military is advancing rapidly.
“Over time, Russia’s advance has increased, and the Russian military has now approached supply routes and strategically important towns in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine,” the American newspaper reported.
On June 30, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that in the process of seizing control of the village of Staromayorskoye and other settlements in Donetsk near Ugledar, Vostok force units actively used motorcycles for assault operations, ammunition, and food transportation.
“To achieve tactical success, commanders often use mechanized groups combined with assault infantry units. Additionally, motorcycle and off-road bike groups are used as a means of deception, helping to control enemy strongholds,” the Russian Ministry of Defense added.
