by Guido Olimpio
Trenches, mines, Friesian horses and more rudimentary systems: obstacles and resources used by the Ukrainians to barricade themselves, with the suggestions of a Western expert who has created a constantly updated manual
The fighting in Mariupol and other locations around Kyiv shows how complex and costly it is for an army to attack welldefended positions. The resilient use purpose built shelters as well as existing buildings. John Spencer, an urban warfare expert, has put together a constantly updated handbook on what to do. Preparation, inventiveness and flexibility are three requirements that must inspire the besieged. So time and resources are needed while commanders can make the most of their knowledge of the theater.
The more difficult the route, the more fuel the Russians use or the vehicles wear out. They will also be forced to unmask their men: razing a building to the ground may not be enough to track down the enemy. Equally fundamental is the creation of a large number of food and ammunition depots. It’s a battle that will require enormous casualties, including the destruction of civilian bridges and infrastructure. The damage is immense. How long can the conflict last?
The barricades
For weeks the Ukrainians have been erecting roadblocks with horses from Friesland, old vehicles and even scrap. You must slow the advance and give the soldiers time to attack tanks with antitank systems. Concrete blocks may already be in place, others need to be built.
The buildings
Any palace can become a location from which to target invaders. The “obstacles” on the roads favor its effect. Many expect the Russians to use bulldozers just to break through. Several armies Americans, Israelis have developed armored bulldozers. But guerrillas and conventional forces in the Middle East (Syria, Iraq) have also equipped themselves with these countermeasures.
The barbed wire
They can play a role as Spencer specifies as long as they are complex. No less than three interconnected “rows”. These light tools in combination with heavier ones become important when converting a straight path into an Sshaped path in order to “slow down” the opponent again.
The spiked bands
Dozens of these were built. They don’t stop caterpillars but are treacherous to wheeled vehicles. Some companies have switched to producing these rudimentary systems. Volunteers sew camouflage fabric instead. The expert also suggests erecting tents over the streets to disguise aerial reconnaissance sightings. Technique used in the Middle East.
The debris
It is possible to demolish houses and buildings, but also to exploit the debris created by the cannon fire. It is any material used to form positions or scattered on a road, always with the aim of making the attackers’ movements more difficult.
high positions
The Ukrainians have to place themselves on the highest points. It applies to snipers as well as men with rockets. This is because the buoyancy of the tank guns is reduced. In addition, the armor in the upper part is less robust. Even a violent Molotov cocktail throw can have an impact on a team on foot. The basic concept is always to increase the risk and price for those who have to clear an area.
movements
Tunnels, Sewers, Subway Lines (where present) can allow defenders to move safely. However, it is also necessary to open passages between apartments and adjacent buildings to hit the reaction fire and then escape. Stories from the battlefield refer to continuous ambushes by Ukrainians, small teams that surprised betterarmed units. In many cases, local secret services had a great deal of influence. The Moscow military, whenever possible, relied on its spies, collaborators.
The trenches
Normanstyle ditches have been dug on the beaches of Odessa, and the horses of Friesland are also present here. Many areas have been mined. Old methods of forcing the Russians to proceed cautiously in the event of an amphibious landing. The task force is always in front of the port city, ready to jump.
March 21, 2022 (change March 21, 2022 | 17:18)
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