Disturbing Tactics: The Sacrificial Strategy Within the Russian Army

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Piotr Mitkiewicz joined the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine in May 2022. In a chat with RMF FM, he shared the horrors of war. He shed light on, among other aspects, the tactics of Russian assaults.

- In the Russian military, soldiers are categorised as less useful and more useful. At the start of the assault, the least useful are sent in first, led by a single competent soldier. This leader withdraws halfway, while the rest rarely make it back. The second wave follows, with three better soldiers, who might survive. After identifying all the Ukrainian positions and acquiring their coordinates, the artillery is activated. Finally, an excellently trained soldier is deployed - Mitkiewicz explained.

He also highlighted the inadequate armament of Russian soldiers used as cannon fodder. Such soldiers are equipped with only four magazines of ammunition. According to Mitkiewicz’s experience, this amount is depleted in about a minute of combat. - With such a limited supply, soldiers retreat rather than charging forward. Essentially, it’s a reconnaissance mission with little hope of return. In our ranks, it’s the most motivated and bravest soldiers who lead the charge - he elaborated.

Mitkiewicz has also commended the bravery of Russian soldiers. - They are courageous lads, who fight to the bitter end - he observed.

He expressed a desire to engage with Russians on a personal level. - I'd love to sit down with someone, take a train, talk to people on it, look into their eyes, and see if there’s humanity in them. What I truly desire is peace. I can’t bear the thought of losing more friends - he stressed.