Ukraine confirms another small gain in the south
KRAMATORSK, Ukraine — Russian forces have improved their defenses, artillery coordination and air support, mounting a campaign that could look very different from the early days of the war, according to interviews and documents and videos reviewed by The New York Times.
These improvements, Western officials say, will most likely make Russia a tougher opponent, especially as it fights defensively against Ukraine’s counter-offensive. This twist is a far cry from Russia’s original plan for a full-scale invasion and Ukrainian defeat.
Interviews with 17 Ukrainian soldiers, a Russian prisoner of war, officers, foreign fighters and Western officials, as well as a review of documents and videos, show that the Kremlin’s gains, especially in Bakhmut, in recent months are due in part to a series of adjustments.
Russia gained ground early in the war, which began in February 2022, with sheer firepower. But that shifted, as the campaign was characterized by disorderly tactics that led to costly losses. A recent ambush was part of a patient, disciplined operation, a sign that Russia was learning from its mistakes and adapting to Ukrainian tactics, which had been grossly underestimated at first.
For example, Russian armored columns no longer rush into areas where they can be quickly damaged or destroyed. Troops are more likely to use drones and sounding attacks – and sometimes just shouting – to find Ukrainian trenches before they strike. And the mercenary Wagner group has shown he can outrun Ukrainian defenders with a combination of improved tactics and available ranks.