Russian Forces Increase Use of Armored Vehicles in Offensive Operations
Russian military units have intensified their use of armored vehicles during assaults following a pause since last winter, according to the latest report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). As of early July, these forces began deploying armored units against Ukrainian positions in the Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions, albeit in small-scale actions involving platoon-size elements, reports 24brussels.
Prior to this, since April 2025, Russian forces had not conducted mechanized offensives involving a company or larger size, predominantly relying on motorcycles and buggies. The ISW report indicates that a shortage of armored vehicles has hindered the Russian military’s ability to update and augment its equipment at the necessary pace.
Military analysts suggest that the temporary increase in armored vehicle usage may be aimed at assessing weaknesses in Ukraine’s defense, particularly regarding drone warfare. Additionally, there is speculation that the Russian Ministry of Defense has been able to adequately replenish its armored vehicle fleet, enabling more extensive deployment in combat scenarios.
Furthermore, American war researchers believe that the renewed use of armored vehicles may also serve as a testing phase for new offensive tactics by Russian forces. This shift follows reports of Russian advances in northern Donetsk Oblast, specifically in the vicinity of Siversk, during intensified mechanized assaults.
