Ukrainian forces defending the frontline city of Pokrovsk have recently experienced a remarkable stroke of luck amidst intense combat.
Attacks Dubbed 'Meat Assaults'
After facing overwhelming numbers of Russian troops, Ukrainian soldiers encountered a dangerous situation with Russian glide bombs, specifically the FAB series.
In a striking incident, one of these 500-kilogram bombs penetrated several walls of a building occupied by Ukrainian troops but ultimately failed to detonate, sparing their lives in what could have been a catastrophic attack.
As the situation has escalated since the fall of Avdiivka and breaches in the defense near the village of Ocheretyne, Ukrainian forces have struggled to maintain their positions against aggressive Russian advances, according to WP.
The tactical approach adopted by Russian troops has been brutal, involving relentless assaults aimed at exhausting Ukrainian defenses.
These attacks, dubbed “meat assaults,” involve sacrificing groups of soldiers to trigger Ukrainian fire, followed by the bombing of those defensive positions with large munitions.
A Much-Needed Reprieve
The glide bombs used by Russian forces, while sometimes unreliable, pose a significant threat. These bombs are equipped with satellite and inertial navigation systems, allowing them to be released from distances of over 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) from their targets.
This capability keeps them beyond the range of short-range air defense systems, complicating Ukraine’s ability to intercept them. Despite their design, recent instances have shown that many of these bombs fail to explode upon impact, providing a sliver of hope for Ukrainian troops under fire.
Ukrainians are left to rely on their remaining air defense systems, including the Patriot and S-300, to counter these aerial threats. However, Ukraine's inventory of such systems is limited, making it challenging to protect front-line positions effectively.
The unexpected malfunction of these glide bombs has, for the time being, given Ukrainian forces a much-needed reprieve as they regroup and strategize for the ongoing conflict.
