Ukraine’s Fresh Approach to Assault: Training a New Infantry

Infantry is the foundation of any war. Despite the activity of drones and the major role of long-range missile and UAV strikes, it is the infantry that defines the front line – which runs exactly where the soldier’s foot stands. The position of infantry determines who controls a given territory. Even though infantry played a key role in early 2022 – destroying enemy equipment, including with Javelin and NLAW systems – it now eliminates far fewer enemies than drones do. Just a year ago the infantry actively went on assaults. Now, due to threats from the air, it spends most of its time trying to not to leave fortified trenches unnecessarily. Nevertheless, it remains the main branch of the armed forces in this war. It is the infantry that carries out offensive operations, holds positions, and conducts quick mobile advances – as it did a year ago in Russia’ Kursk Oblast. And of course, it needs to change under the pressure of new circumstances of war – to incur fewer losses and remain effective.