Profound insights from Commander of the 37th Separate Marine Brigade, Serhii Shatalov, on the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war
The Commander of the 37th Separate Marine Brigade of Ukraine, Serhii Shatalov, offers profound insights into dynamics of the war, Ukraine’s strengths and challenges, particularly in the Pokrovsk-Kurakhove direction. He also discusses the operation in Krynky, Kherson Oblast — highlighting both its achievements and the setbacks encountered.
The Kurakhove direction:
Russians have the initiative and a manpower advantage of at least 1:10. The situation was challenging (in October), as it remains today. We carried out the mission with limited resources — operating without one battalion, which was stationed in Toretsk. Two headquarters battalions were understaffed, and many attached units were entirely decimated and lost their command. Despite this, we were able to stabilize the situation in the early stages and secure key positions, which we have maintained to this day.
Successful Russian tactics:
Assault groups (typically consisting of 10-15 soldiers when the brigade is fully staffed) carry out assault operations on each position. This usually happens in poor weather, such as fog, when we are unable to conduct effective aerial reconnaissance. Their numerical advantage allows them to occasionally capture or destroy our positions. We retreat, and they secure the area. If they fail to capture a position through sheer numbers, they deploy armored vehicles or light motorized equipment, such as buggies, motorcycles, or modified trucks and artillery vehicles. This allows them to infiltrate our combat lines and establish positions in our rear. Soldiers remaining on the front lines may panic, leading to a breakdown in command and control. They also disrupt our logistics and communication lines, forcing us to withdraw. If these tactics fail, they resort to UAVs and artillery. While they may not have the same overwhelming advantage in munitions as they once did, we are likely at a parity now.
Russian manpower:
In the span of 2 months, three brigades have rotated opposite me. They were either decimated or reduced to the point where they could no longer carry out offensive actions, as we discovered documents from both artillerymen and cooks, indicating the absence of infantry. The brigade we initially defeated has since regrouped and returned.
Splitting a brigade, with battalions in different areas:
I oppose this practice, but it’s crucial to understand who we’re facing, the strength of their force, and its capabilities. Essentially, we had to plug a gap somewhere. That’s why we decided to withdraw a battalion and secure the area.
