Russian mobilised reservists have described being ordered to assault a Ukrainian concrete strong point armed with only "firearms and shovels," according to the UK's Ministry of Defence. The "shovels" are most likely entrenching tools used in hand-to-hand combat. The design of the standard-issue MPL-50 entrenching tool has changed little since its inception in 1869, according to the MoD's latest intelligence update. The use of this weapon in Ukraine exemplifies the "brutal and low-tech fighting that has come to characterize much of the war," according to the Ministry of Defense. One Russian reservist described himself as "neither physically nor psychologically prepared" for the action in Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Defense, recent evidence indicates an increase in "close combat" fighting in Ukraine.
This is likely due to Russia's continued emphasis on offensive action primarily involving dismounted infantry, with less support from artillery fire "because Russia is short of munitions," according to the MoD. The British intelligence update comes as pressure on Ukrainian troops and civilians in Bakhmut continues to mount. According to Ukrainian troops who were assisting them, a woman was killed and two men were severely injured by shelling while attempting to cross a makeshift bridge out of the beleaguered city on Saturday. According to a Ukrainian army representative, it is now too dangerous for civilians to leave the city by car, so they are fleeing on foot. Bakhmut has been a key target of Moscow's eastern offensive for months, with Russian troops, including large forces from the private Wagner Group, creeping closer to Kyiv's key eastern stronghold. After months of setbacks, capturing Bakhmut would provide Russian fighters with a rare battlefield victory.
It could also disrupt Ukraine's supply lines, allowing Kremlin forces to advance on other Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Donetsk region.
By Covenantblog
