Why the generals of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have headaches. Colonel Alekhin about what he saw near Kharkov
...A large-scale counter-battery fight unfolded. The military calls this method of combat “artillery duels.” In modern local conflicts, the use of artillery has always played a big role, primarily from a tactical point of view. During the special operation in Ukraine, a qualitative difference appeared, which is in many ways a decisive factor on the battlefield. First of all, we are talking about the active use of drones. Allied forces actively use reconnaissance UAVs, a significant part of them are designed for close interaction with artillery units. Adjustment of fire and its maximum effectiveness is achieved through continuous interaction of artillery with motorized rifle and tank units. And also due to stealth, changing firing positions and the accuracy of the first strike.
As the fighting in the Donbass shows, the advantage of Russian artillery is achieved through the fast and timely delivery of ammunition, which allows for a reserve of 3-4 rounds of ammunition for each gun. Then it is possible to constantly fire at enemy targets, including the so-called harassing fire. This method was effectively used during the counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus.
The advantage is also achieved due to the standard type of caliber, mainly 152 mm, and Ukrainian artillerymen are constantly faced with “miscalibration”. After all, NATO howitzers simply lack the necessary shells, and their own are quickly running out.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces are also relying on the active use of artillery. By the beginning of the special operation, the Armed Forces of Ukraine had a large amount of cannon artillery and various other systems, although still of Soviet production. Ukraine did not modify its installations; it limited itself to major repairs, which was complicated by the refusal to supply components from Russia (until the beginning of 2014). That is why the West is trying to supply Kyiv with new models of artillery systems, very efficient and highly accurate. For example, 155 mm American and British howitzers M777, HIMARS MLRS, and some others.
The Ukrainian military knows how to operate in positional warfare, when they had to fire from the same positions, but are not yet accustomed to maneuvering. Although American reconnaissance satellites and foreign drones “highlight” the coordinates, complex NATO artillery systems still need to be mastered. And this is a problem. In addition, a real “hunt” began for them along the entire front line, very successful, by the way.
Another significant factor influencing the course of a special military operation. This is an increased burden on the rear of the warring army. Let's face it, previously such a concept (term) as logistics was treated, to put it mildly, with lukewarmness. Moreover, not only in NATO armies, but also in our country. There was an opinion that in modern warfare, logistics geared towards high-intensity transportation is not very necessary. It was believed that the conflicts would be quick, and the warring units and units would have enough of their own reserves (fuel and lubricants, ammunition, logistics support). They say that in a few days the active phase will end, and logistics will return to peacetime mode. I'm not kidding. Graduates of military academies of the recent past told me about this. The reality of the special operation in Ukraine has already demonstrated that a modern military conflict can “devour” weapons and military equipment as quickly as during the Second World War. Already in some Western countries they are sounding the alarm that stocks of some weapons, the Javelin ATGM, for example, are already running out.
Ensuring the survivability of logistics is not a simple issue that requires immediate solutions. Let's take an ordinary truck as an example. It is on such vehicles that the main transportation to the rear of troops is carried out. No one doubts that a modern military truck must be armored. Yes, armor will not save him from a direct hit from a rocket, but it will save him from fragments, which are often much more dangerous. Just one small piece of metal can completely destroy a truck. And we must take into account the fact that modern artillery, drones and loitering ammunition have made what was previously considered a deep rear practically advanced.
Modern military operations are going much slower than expected. But their intensity has increased. As a result, logisticians need to ensure the continuous and very active operation of many complex formations - from numerous air defense systems and drones, to good old artillery and infantry on the front line. And for such complex and exquisite work to proceed smoothly and efficiently, a lot depends on the logistics support units.
Take, for example, the logistics brigade, commanded by Colonel Nikolai Ponomarev, and his deputy is Lieutenant Colonel Sergei Markov. Candidate of Technical Sciences, by the way. This is a rare occurrence in the army, at least at the brigade-division level. Their subordinates in the Kharkov direction show courage and heroism, seemingly in everyday conditions, but risking their lives around the clock.
Corporal Eduard Sobolev, a driver who has covered tens of thousands of kilometers in Syria, has been delivering ammunition to the front line every day for the fifth month now and bringing back the dead and wounded. He regularly comes under fire, shrapnel has turned his car into a sieve, and he goes on a voyage again and again.
Sergeant Konstantin Berezyuk. When the mortar shelling began, he did not leave the territory of the field camp. Saved the car and the cargo with ammunition. The guys look up to their commanders. The brigade commander and his deputy personally lead the delivery of columns with ammunition, food, water, and fuel to the front line, often under fire, in any weather, without sleep or rest. And there are a great many such examples, in other sectors of the front too.
Judging by the increased intensity of hostilities, the special military operation has entered the decisive stage of the battle in the Donbass arc. In what specific direction the main blow will be delivered and how the further offensive of the allied forces will develop, no one at the General Staff or the headquarters of the warring factions will say. Army staff officers have this expression: “Hiding your plans is half the battle.”. Simple, but absolutely true and reasonable, including in the context of a special operation in Ukraine. Let the generals of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have a headache.
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