Urban Operations in the Russo-Ukraine War: Part Two
Argyll Regimental Foundation Speakers Series Featuring Maj Jayson Geroux
Compiled by LCol (ret) Tom Compton, CD, BA, Director, Argyll Regimental Museum & Archives
Mariupol, February–May 2022
Image 7. Mariupol with the city area expanded as an insert. (Source: https://militarylands.net)
By April 5, 2022, the Russians had attempted to take Mariupol from the line of march, evidenced from the fingers of troop penetration, but they also realized they must surround the entire city and slowly squeeze the resistance. They could not, however, prevent heroic yet near suicidal resupply efforts by Ukrainian helicopter pilots who flew in ammunition, medical supplies, food, and water by approaching from the Sea of Azov. (Source: https://militarylands.net)
Image 8. The Russian advance off the line of march into Mariupol. (Source: see credit on image)
Image 9. The results of poor Russian tactics. (Public domain)
Image 10. Ukrainians eventually withdraw into the Azovstal steel plant. (Public domain)
Image 11. The subterranean factor of the Azovstal steel plant. Built during the Cold War to withstand attack from NATO, it offered an ideal location to hide and fight the Russians. (Public domain)
Image 12. Heavy use of Russian artillery and air bombardment on the steel plant. (Source: see credit on image)
Image 13. The grim reality for the survivors, who include civilians. (Public domain)
Sieverodonetsk, 27 May–25 June, 2022
The Russians advanced from the east off the line of march. They had initial success until the Ukrainians counter-attacked with the International Legion. The Legion contains a wide variety of volunteers primarily from western countries, including some Canadians. The Legion demonstrated tenacity and skillful use of urban operations tactics against the Russian invaders, who suffered heavy losses. Ukrainian forces gradually withdrew to the Donets River, blew bridges, and occupied higher ground on the west bank. By now the Russians had begun to learn from their earlier mistakes. They had attempted to take the city off the line of march but, once again, they failed to isolate the city, which allowed the Legion to counter-attack. Once Ukraine forces had withdrawn onto high ground, the Russians slowly decided to isolate the Ukraine forces.
Image 14. Ukraine counter-attacks have slowed the Russian advance allowing a controlled withdrawal. (Source: see credit on image)
Image 15. Ukrainian use of geography slowed the Russian advance until they finally reverted to their proper doctrine and proceeded to encircle Lysychansk. (Source: see credit on image)