Russia increases troop numbers and changes tactics - Details

An unprecedented number of Russian troops and changes in their combat operations have been noted in specific frontline areas.

This was stated by Andriy Otchenash, the commander of the "Heavenly Punishment" drone crew from the "Rubizh" brigade, during a broadcast on the KYIV24 TV channel.

"The number of Russian military personnel is incredibly large. Throughout my involvement in the war since 2022, I have never seen such a massive presence of Russians. And this is despite the fact that our brigade has been deployed in the toughest sectors — from Bakhmut to the liberation of territories in the Kharkiv region, and operations in the Siversk district. The situation is truly challenging because the enemy is overwhelmingly numerous," the serviceman stresses.

He adds that the occupiers are attempting to leverage their numerical advantage and avoid directly capturing populated areas.

"The enemy's main objective is not to reach populated areas and seize them. They are moving forward, bypassing populated areas," the commander says.

According to Otchenash, the Russians have also changed their combat tactics, abandoning efforts to entrench themselves in shelters and fortifications.

"They are trying to bypass populated areas without establishing positions in tunnels. They seek out difficult terrain and keep advancing north, north, north," he says.