Russian forces have begun to reduce the intensity of their assault operations while also changing the nature of their attacks, according to the analytical project DeepState.
In the first third of July, the daily average number of assaults was nearly 186. That number dropped to 178 in the second ten-day period and to 171.5 in the third. In the first two days of August, the average has further declined to 155 assaults per day.
Despite this gradual decrease, the overall level of combat activity remains high. Analysts note that the Russians are now increasingly relying on small assault groups of just 2–3 soldiers, rather than launching massed infantry attacks involving dozens of troops, as seen near Prohres last year.
Moreover, Russian soldiers have adopted tactics involving long, covert movements—sometimes lasting hours or even an entire day—to reach Ukrainian positions. DeepState also highlights the continued use of so-called “flag-planting” operations, designed purely for propaganda purposes but often resulting in heavy casualties for Russian troops.