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The Attritional Art of War: Lessons from the Russian War on Ukraine

Combat Conditions and Tactics

Both Russian and Ukrainian soldiers are engaged in slow, brutal fighting often carried out house by house, due to the risk posed by drones and artillery.

Small infantry teams (2-4 soldiers) are common, as large groups are vulnerable to single drone or artillery strikes.

Soldiers operate in trench lines, dugouts, or abandoned buildings, moving cautiously due to near-constant aerial surveillance and attacks.

Drone Warfare

Drones are ubiquitous and lethal. They're used for:

Reconnaissance

Direct attacks (e.g., one drone per soldier)

Logistics (e.g., delivering food, water, and ammo to the front lines)

Anti-drone tactics include:

Netting over roads and vehicles

Electronic warfare (effective against some, but not all, drones)

Drones have changed warfare from large-scale maneuvers to micro-tactical engagements.

Environmental Factors

Weather and seasons significantly affect drone operations.

Rain, snow, or high winds can ground drones.

Foliage in summer offers cover; bare landscapes in winter increase exposure.

Resupply Challenges

Resupplying front-line troops is dangerous and often done via drones.

Delivering essentials like food or ammo can require multiple drone trips, increasing the difficulty and slowing operations.

Casualties and Strategic Objectives

Russia is making slow but steady territorial gains.

Their strategy prioritizes destroying Ukrainian forces over taking land.

Ukraine is suffering disproportionately high casualties, largely due to inferior firepower and fewer drones.

Russian superiority in glide bombs, missiles, and artillery contributes to this imbalance.

Tactical Map and Changes Over Time

In 2023, Ukraine had near tactical parity with fortified positions and mutually supporting defenses.

By 2024–2025, many of these positions have been lost, with Russian forces advancing and Ukrainian lines thinning.

Conclusion

The conflict is no longer comparable to past Western wars like Desert Storm or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Instead, it reflects a new kind of warfare dominated by drones, close-quarters combat, and high-tech attrition. The war is a grinding stalemate, with innovation and adaptation playing a critical role in survival and success.