Russia’s reliance on attritional tactics continues to drain its resources and personnel while achieving limited gains. Recent offensives in the Kurakhove direction highlight the heavy use of human wave assaults, often involving poorly trained or injured troops, leading to staggering casualties. Specialist units, including reconnaissance and drone operators, are being misused as infantry replacements, eroding combat capabilities. Analysts note significant declines in the quality of elite Russian forces, with many units depleted and filled with minimally trained recruits. Despite escalating losses and limited reinforcements, Russia remains dependent on manpower-heavy assaults, raising questions about the sustainability of its strategy in the long term.

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