By Matt Underwood Six-hour tank assault, 29 armored vehicles, zero breakthroughs: Russia’s biggest autumn push fails near Volodymyrivka. It’s almost unbelievable, isn’t it? The sheer scale of the conflict in Ukraine is constantly throwing up scenarios that defy expectations. This specific instance near Volodymyrivka, with a six-hour tank assault involving 29 armored vehicles, and resulting in precisely zero breakthroughs, really captures the essence of the current stalemate. It highlights the shifting dynamics and, frankly, the incredible resilience of the Ukrainian defense. This wasn’t some minor probing action; this was presented as a significant push, a major effort. Yet, it yielded nothing in the way of territorial gains.
The immediate reaction is, how can this happen? How can a relatively large force, even if just a company-sized element, fail to achieve any sort of advancement after a six-hour assault? The answer is complex, but the clues are there. It seems that the Russians misjudged the Ukrainian defenses. Perhaps they overestimated their own capabilities, or maybe the Ukrainians were simply better prepared, better equipped, and more determined. The failure also speaks volumes about the Ukrainian’s tactical prowess on the battlefield.
Considering the number of vehicles involved, 29 armored vehicles represent a substantial commitment, especially considering the current circumstances. Think about the resources required to deploy, fuel, and maintain those vehicles, let alone the crews and supporting infantry. Each of these vehicles generally carries a crew of at least three, meaning roughly 100 soldiers were directly involved. The fact that the attack was called off with zero gains indicates serious problems, either with the attack plan, the equipment, or the soldiers themselves.
The difficulties Russia faces in this war are becoming increasingly apparent. The ability to supply functioning armored vehicles is clearly an issue. We’re seeing fewer and fewer of the large-scale tank columns that were a hallmark of the early stages of the conflict. The shift to lighter vehicles like motorbikes and unarmored buggies suggests a desperate attempt to conserve what’s left. It’s not a tactic born of strength, but of necessity.
The lack of breakthroughs points to fundamental problems. This isn’t a case of just bad luck; it’s likely a reflection of poor training, unreliable equipment, and a lack of overall battlefield coordination. The reliance on older equipment, potentially even vehicles that are not fully functional, is another contributing factor. The war has become a brutal test of logistics and resources, and Russia appears to be losing this war of attrition, at least in terms of armored vehicles.
One thing that has become clear is that Russia is not winning on the battlefield. They have gained minimal territory in exchange for vast losses of soldiers and material, and any gains have been achieved at an incredible human cost. This strategy is unsustainable. Any territory they have gained is not worth the price they are paying.
The use of drones and artillery by the Ukrainians has also significantly hampered Russian armored advances. For months now, armored assaults have been much less frequent because of the devastating effect of these weapons. Many of these assaults are now accompanied by infantry, which in turn leads to a higher rate of casualties.
The narrative from Russian supporters and bots that suggests that Ukraine needs to simply surrender is completely delusional. Russia seems unable to force Ukraine to give up, and the constant cycle of failed offensives, the inability to adapt, and the shrinking stocks of functional equipment are clear indicators of this. The reality is that Russia is being worn down, bled out slowly, in a war that continues to drag on.
The situation also underlines the critical importance of continued support for Ukraine. The gap between Russia and Ukraine’s capabilities is shrinking. However, the losses in Russian equipment are devastating and cannot be quickly replaced. The sustained flow of Western aid has been critical. Continued support is essential to help Ukraine maintain its defenses and to push the Russian forces back to their own country.
The recent shift towards less armored assaults could also mean that Russia is trying to build up its forces for another large offensive. While they are still able to deploy forces of this size, it may not be sustainable. Russia is simply outmatched in terms of the ability to produce armored vehicles and the parts needed to keep them in the fight.
In the end, this failed six-hour assault near Volodymyrivka is more than just a military setback; it’s a window into the bigger picture. It’s a stark illustration of the challenges Russia faces, the resilience of the Ukrainian defenders, and the incredibly high stakes involved in this ongoing conflict. Russia’s continued failure to make significant breakthroughs is a testament to the fact that this is not a short war and, as long as Ukraine exists, they are winning, even if it takes years.