For months, there have been daily updates on the losses of Russian vehicles and other military hardware in the war in Ukraine. Now, there is an almost constant and ongoing watch across social media – as well as from major news organizations – as to the number of Western-made vehicles that Ukraine has lost since it launched its long-expected counteroffensive last week.
However, there is one difference.
Though it is true that Russia now controls about 20 percent of Ukraine, the Kremlin’s forces actually made little progress after the initial invasion was blunted – and its losses have mounted even as it fought to hold the ground it took. Ukraine is now going on the attack, and as it takes casualties, it has something to show for it.
Kyiv’s troops have lost 16 U.S.-supplied armored vehicles in the past several days, but it has captured three villages in the Donbas.
The destroyed vehicles account for almost 15 percent of the 109 U.S. M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles provided to Ukraine. The significance of the losses and what Kyiv gained can’t be understated.
Offensive Losses
One factor for the high losses in the early stage of the fighting is that the Bradley has been traditionally employed where air support is provided – and Ukraine lacks that at the present time. Yet, Ukraine is doing what it can with what it has, and it has results to show for it.
“Given the size of the front, and intensity of fighting I would expect such losses,” Nicholas Drummond, a defense industry analyst specializing in land warfare and a former British Army officer told CNN on Monday. “(Ukraine) is attacking across four main lines of advance in order to force Russia to commit its reserves. A necessary but costly approach.”
Russia has also had to step up its defenses to counter the Bradley and other Western-made vehicles. Though the headlines quickly noted that Ukraine has lost a Leopard 2 main battle tank (MBT) and other equipment, it is important to note that it took numerous strikes from drones and even Ka-52 “Alligator” attack helicopters.
What is Kyiv’s Goal?
According to a recent report from the U.S.-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukraine’s forces have been attacking in at least four front-line areas.
“Ukrainian forces made visually verified advances in western Donetsk Oblast and western Zaporizhia Oblast, which Russian sources confirmed but sought to downplay,” ISW reported.
There is speculation that Kyiv may seek to break the land bridge between the occupied Crimea and Donetsk, which would isolate Russian troops on the peninsula. Further east, Ukrainian forces have been reported to be advancing on the ruined city of Bakhmut – the intense fighting scene for months, which Wagner Group forces only secured last month.
The Ukrainian offensive has made ground, even as Russian forces had months to fortify their positions. No one should expect a swift victory for Kyiv, but it is now crystal clear, its offensive has begun in earnest.
And, we should not forget – and this is key – Putin has lost thousands of tanks and has little to show for it.
Author Experience and Expertise
A Senior Editor for 19FortyFive, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.
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