**Russian Soldier’s Deadly Crash Highlights Flaws in Motorbike Tactics**
In a shocking video captured by a Ukrainian drone, a Russian soldier on a motorcycle failed to jump an anti-tank trench and crashed, likely resulting in severe injury or death. The incident highlights the risks of using motorbikes for troop movement and assaults in Ukraine, where Russia is facing equipment shortages.
According to Forbes, which reported the story, Russian military units have increasingly relied on motorcycles to move troops and conduct assaults along the front lines. However, these tactics have proven fatal for many soldiers. In this particular incident, a Ukrainian drone captured the moment a Russian motorcyclist attempted to leap a six-meter-deep and six-meter-wide anti-tank trench. The soldier failed to clear the ditch and crashed.
The use of motorcycles in such missions is not new, but it has become more frequent due to Russia’s equipment shortages. Motorbikes are often used to send troops ahead to expose Ukrainian positions by drawing fire. While these tactics may occasionally work, they come with significant risks for the soldiers involved. In fact, a similar assault near Myrolyubivka earlier this month resulted in over 240 Russian troops being killed or wounded and 96 motorcycles being destroyed.
**Why Motorcycle Assualts Persist**
Despite repeated failures, Russia continues to use motorcycle troops in “reconnaissance-by-force” missions. This is because the tactics may occasionally work, allowing commanders to identify weaknesses in Ukrainian lines and continue pressing with more troops. Russian forces are often under-trained and poorly equipped, making them vulnerable to attacks.
In an analysis of Russia’s military tactics, experts Nick Reynolds and Jack Watling of the Royal United Services Institute noted that Russian troops are ordered to advance towards areas where they assess Ukrainian positions to be. Once fired upon, commanders identify possible weaknesses and continue pressing with more troops.
**Repeated Failures**
The failure to jump the anti-tank trench is just one example of the risks involved in using motorbikes for troop movement and assaults. In recent weeks, Russia’s 39th Motor Rifle Brigade exploited a weak point in Ukrainian lines near Malynivka, but this came after neutralizing Ukrainian armored counterattacks with drones.
The use of motorcycles in such missions raises questions about the Russian military’s preparedness and training. As equipment shortages continue to plague the Russian army, it is unclear whether these tactics will ultimately prove effective or lead to further casualties among soldiers.
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