Before the assault. Eastern Ukraine 2022

Full-scale combat operations that began in February 2022 posed a severe and serious challenge for the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the outset. During the summer and autumn of 2022, the main focus was on the Eastern operational zone, which became a theater of high-intensity military actions. Alongside maneuver warfare, Ukrainian Defense Forces employed assault tactics aimed at dislodging the enemy from fortified areas and strongpoints. There were also assaults on populated areas, arguably the most challenging aspect of modern warfare. The intensity and complexity of these assaults were evidenced by areas changing hands multiple times. To execute assault missions, besides specially trained fighters, a variety of forces and means were utilized—from armored vehicles to FPV drones. According to soldiers’ feedback, successful assaults relied on meticulous planning, terrain study, direction of movement, evacuation routes, and anticipation of enemy forces and their firepower intensity.