Another Desperate Russian Armored Attack Destroyed By Ukrainian Forces

In a continuation of a recent pattern, Russian units appear to be bringing their remaining armor out of hiding in order to attempt to achieve gains, no matter how insignificant, before autumn weather and US deadlines force them to stop.

In this case, apparently near Andiivka, the Russians uparmored their vehicles with metal chains, but, as usual, to no avail as Ukrainian drones and artillery wiped them out. JL

Julia Struck reports in the Kyiv Post:

Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian military column using FPV drones, with a large explosion followed by infantry fighting vehicles or lightly armored multipurpose tractors – equipped with oversized “mangal-style” cope cage protection of metal chains then hit by a second explosion. The Omega Unit of Ukraine's National Guard claim the Russian vehicles were destroyed and, at a minimum, they suffered serious damage despite their makeshift additional armor.

Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian military column using FPV drones, according to a video published by the Omega Special Purpose Center of Ukraine’s National Guard.

The footage shared via Telegram, which Kyiv Post could not independently verify, shows a large explosion followed by what appear to be infantry fighting vehicles or lightly armored multipurpose tractors – equipped with oversized “mangal-style” cope cage protection –moving along a road. A second explosion soon follows as they continue their movement.

 

Omega captioned the video: “A hellish reception for ‘rusnya’ from the Omega special unit.” Their report claimed the entire Russian column was destroyed.

 

“We worked clearly, without unnecessary words. Good work, which speaks for itself. The Orcs [a Ukrainian derogatory term for Russian troops] didn’t get anywhere and won’t get anywhere,” the unit said.

A Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance officer, speaking anonymously to Kyiv Post, emphasized that Russia is using the few armored vehicles it has left increasingly sparingly.

“In this video, it’s unusual to see two actual units instead of 10 motorcycles each carrying ‘two meat sacks’,” he said.

He also commented on the improvised “mangal” protection made from metal chains, which he noted is more practical than logs or sheet metal which have also been used to provide added protection in the past.

 

“The Israeli army has used chains on its tanks for a long time. It’s not cutting-edge tech, but effective. Chains are dynamic during movement, and they maintain their protective shape better than rigid materials,” he said.

While the National Guard claim the Russian vehicles were destroyed, the video shows that, at a minimum, they suffered serious damage despite their makeshift additional armor.

 

In late June, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted a growing threat from Russian motorcycle assaults along the front line, citing a Ukrainian soldier who reported that these units now avoid roads and tracks but cross open fields in attempts to bypass Ukrainian defenses.

According to the Ukraine-based intelligence group Frontelligence Insight (FI), Russia is developing a tactical doctrine around the increased use of motorcycles.

Russian motorcycle squads typically consist of 6-8 bikes carrying 6-16 soldiers, often equipped with portable electronic warfare (EW) systems and drone scanners.

These units are used for infiltration, diversion, reconnaissance, and flanking missions. They also support logistics and casualty evacuation.

Ukrainian military analyst Kostyantyn Mashovets reported in May that Russian forces often pair motorcycles with armored vehicles. However, in recent weeks, Russia has increasingly used motorcycles and ATVs independently of armor, training troops at makeshift motocross tracks in both Russia and occupied Ukraine.

FI analysts, citing leaked Russian Defense Ministry documents, said Moscow plans to equip more than half of its infantry with motorcycles, ATVs, and buggies.

 

ISW assesses that Russia is shifting towards lighter, faster transport options due to the vulnerability of slower vehicles on Ukraine’s increasingly transparent battlefield – a move that signals Russia intends to apply these tactics beyond the current war.