A platoon from the 1st Battalion of the 28th Mechanized Brigade assaults Russian positions on the west bank of the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas Canal. The assault is preceded by two mine-clearing line charges (MCLC), which are fired across the open ground in front of the Russian positions to clear lanes in mine fields. The Ukrainian infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) dash across two open fields pockmarked with mine and shell craters and firing periodically. The platoon stops just short of the Russian position in a stand of trees in front of the canal, and the vehicles suppress the Russians as the Ukrainian infantry dismount. Staying low and firing as the leave the protection of the IFVs, the dismounted infantry advance into the tree line and begin clearing the Russian position. With their dismounts engaged to their front, the vehicles cease fire and back away. One squad advances towards a draw to the right, as two squads clear to the front, and Russian infantry can be seen leaving their positions and fleeing in the direction of the canal.

This video is significant for two reasons. First, it depicts the defeat of Russian forces on the west bank of the canal, a critical milestone in retaking ground in and around Bakhmut. Second, much footage has surfaced depicting Ukrainian forces struggling to penetrate Russian defenses. Densely sewn minefields have inflicted significant casualties on Ukrainian armor. Though only a platoon assault, this attack featured the use of mine-clearance charges followed by a rapid assault, casting doubt on the claim that the Ukrainian Army is incapable of solving this tactical problem. The vehicles moved well, maintaining dispersion and firing on the move, and the dismounts exited the vehicles and executed the final assault well. This was a sound example of a mechanized assault.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through sailing.