Russia May Unveil New Offensive Tactics in Ukraine This Summer and Fall – ISW

It is probable that the Russian military authorities are getting ready to incorporate motorcycles systematically into their offensive strategies in Ukraine for the upcoming summer and autumn months. This shift could be in response to the danger presented by Ukrainian drones to the Russian forces.

The findings mentioned here were concluded by specialists at the Institute for the Study of War, as stated in an ISW report.

Based on insights from American experts, this move is probably an effort by Russia to make up for the shortcomings observed in the operations of Ukrainian drone handlers.

The document mentions that on April 26, the Russian Ministry of Defense published a clip demonstrating the use of motorcycles for both offensive and defensive maneuvers with teams consisting of 2-3 individuals at a training facility. This video probably showcases members of the 299th (Air Assault) Regiment within the Airborne Troops (which forms part of the 98th Airborne Division of Russia).

The video indicates that the Russian military might be formulating a strategic approach for using motorcycles offensively in tactics. Moreover, ISW proposes that they seem to be planning to supply more motorcycles to their forces operating in Ukraine.

According to Colonel Pavlo Shamshyn, who serves as the spokesman for the Ukrainian military contingent in Kharkiv, Ukrainian intelligence has observed that Russian troops are undergoing training in motorcycle warfare techniques. This suggests that Russian forces will probably intensify their utilization of motorcycles in offensive maneuvers across Ukraine throughout the latter half of 2025.

Shamshyn pointed out that motorcycles enable Russian troops to boost their speed and agility, which is essential for evading attacks from Ukrainian drones. Nevertheless, he mentioned that the high noise level of these vehicles makes it difficult for riders to detect incoming Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles.

The ISW noted an increasing tendency of Russian units executing mechanized and mixed motorized attacks, utilizing motorcycles and civilian vehicles to move infantry along the complete frontline.

The institute noted that the Russian leadership is continually refining its strategies to combat Ukrainian drone attacks and is probably working to offset the constraints imposed by substantial damage to their military hardware, particularly after major losses of armored units during the late summer and early fall of 2024.

The ISW report specifically notes that Russian forces have recently advanced during a motorized operation close to Bahatyr. This offensive consisted solely of motorcycles and civilian vehicles.

Attacks involving motorcycles carried out by Russian forces

A little over a week past, members of the 28th Brigade, known as the Knights of the Winter March within the Ukrainian Armed Forces, recounted their defense against a Russian motorized bike attack near their defensive lines in the area of Toretsk.

Russian troops have begun employing motorcycles with an aim to leverage their agility in assaulting Ukrainian strongholds. Nonetheless, these forces keep finding themselves targeted by the accurate strikes from Ukrainian drone handlers.

In just one day, members of Ukraine’s 3rd Mechanized Battalion took out approximately 20 motorcycles along with at least 20 pieces of hostile gear such as tanks, BMPs, and MTLBs. It is believed that the adversary suffered casualties amounting to roughly 200 footsoldiers.

Additionally, in early April, the Ukrainian Armed Forces thwarted an effort by Russian forces to advance using motorcycles near Kramatorsk. During this incident, drone operatives took out 18 motorcyclists who were trying to penetrate frontline positions by exploiting the misty conditions for concealment.

Previously, reports indicated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had taken out six Russian motorcycles in the Bakhmut area.