Mad Max Russians: Their New Tactic /Stanislav Krapivnik & Lt Col Daniel Davis

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Stanislav Krapivnik recounts firsthand experiences traveling and delivering aid near the Russian-Ukrainian frontlines, describing both the physical danger and the evolving nature of warfare there.

They describe moving in unarmored vans through active combat zones, where FPV attack drones strike civilian vehicles at high speed, making it nearly impossible to survive if targeted. They’ve delivered medical supplies, hospital equipment, and humanitarian aid to frontline areas like Kursk and Rylsk, often under fire or near recent drone attacks.

He recalls earlier experiences from 2014–2015, when drones were mainly used for reconnaissance, contrasting that with the current environment where unmanned systems dominate the battlefield. Russian forces, he says, still use tanks and heavy artillery, but often position them behind the front lines as direct-fire platforms to bombard Ukrainian positions before withdrawing. He mentions the use of FOBs (fuel-air explosives) with small jet engines for extended range — describing their devastating vacuum effect that can crush fortifications or kill by sucking air from enclosed spaces.

The conversation shifts to broader strategic and political implications:

Russia is reportedly preparing for larger mechanized offensives again, as Ukrainian defenses thin out due to manpower shortages.

Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, admitted Ukraine faces “huge problems with soldiers”, noting Russian assaults “just keep coming.”

Ukraine may lower its draft age from 25 to 22 to replenish forces.

The speaker argues this won’t help much, claiming the Ukrainian elite are corrupt and detached — with leaders’ families living abroad (in Israel, London, or the U.S.) and amassing property while ordinary Ukrainians die in combat. He accuses officials like former defense minister Reznikov and President Zelensky of profiteering off war, buying real estate and businesses overseas.

He concludes that for many of Ukraine’s ruling class, the war is a “feeding trough”, not a patriotic struggle — suggesting they intend to leave the country after enriching themselves, while ordinary citizens endure bombardment and loss.

Overall, the account mixes frontline realism (drone warfare, artillery tactics, humanitarian aid) with political cynicism about Ukraine’s leadership and the toll of prolonged conflict.