Scooters replacing armored vehicles: ISW reports on Russia's new tactics.

Russian occupation forces have recently been using less armored vehicles during assaults in active front-line areas. This is likely due to significant equipment losses and the depletion of Soviet stockpiles. This information is detailed in a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) dated Saturday, January 4.   Analysts believe that Soviet armored vehicle stockpiles have diminished to the extent that it forces Russian forces to conserve them.   "Russian troops have significantly reduced their use of armored vehicles and mechanized assaults in the Kurakhove direction following substantial equipment losses in October and November 2024. A representative from a Ukrainian brigade operating in this area stated on January 3 that Russian forces have shifted to primarily using infantry for attacks in this region, employing armored vehicles mainly for fire support of infantry assaults," the report states.   ISW cites a Ukrainian lieutenant colonel who informed The New York Times about the increasing reliance of Russian troops on electric scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs during assaults in eastern Ukraine. This could be part of the Russian military's efforts to compensate for losses of armored vehicles.   Analysts note that Russian attacks near medium-sized populated areas, such as Kurakhove and Pokrovsk, may be less favorable for the use of armored vehicles compared to smaller settlements and open fields where Russian forces made advancements throughout much of 2024.   "Russian forces may reduce their use of armored vehicles in the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk directions if Russian command seeks to rearm frontline units while simultaneously refraining from withdrawing units for rest and recovery," ISW points out.   They also believe that such tactics may further slow the advancement of Russian troops in priority areas of the front.   Recall that on Saturday, the General Staff reported that Russian troops are primarily attacking in the Pokrovsk direction. Fighting is ongoing in the vicinity of 15 populated areas.