Ukraine intensify ‘middle strike’ against Russian rear

Ukraine’s forces will increase their strikes against Russia’s logistics system – air defence systems, warehouses, equipment, command posts and supply routes – using mid-range capabilities.

This decision comes at a time when the Ministry of Defence claim to be “regaining the initiative” on the frontline, as Russia now lose 179 troops for every square kilometre of territory, while continuing long-range strikes against strategic targets deep inside enemy territory such as oil refinaries and airstrips.

Now, Ukraine will begin to close the middle gap at the Russian rear – between 30 and 200 kilometres, known as the “operational depth” – where enemy troops coordinate and manage supplies.

It is believed the plan will deny the invader the ability to conduct sustained offensive operations, which will decrease the number of assault operations along the line of contact.

Ukraine’s Government say they have already increased fourfold the destruction of Russian logistics support at operational depth.

Middle strike: plan of action

The rationale behind this approach is twofold: to outstrip the rate at which the enemy can be supplied, thus reducing their momentum, while allowing the defender to create more favourable conditions.

As part of the first phase of the programme, the MoD and the General Staff have allocated an additional UAH5bn ($112.6m) directly to the military for the procurement of modern middle-strike systems.

The funding will be distributed through the ePoints system to the highest-performing brigades.

In parallel, as part of the programe’s second phase, the MoD is launching centralised tenders for the procurement of a large batch of middle-strike capabilities.

Such capabilities include certain uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) such as the FP-2, Hornet, and Bulava – each operating at distances ranging from tens to hundreds of kilometres. In the final stretch of flight, these systems can operate autonomously, scanning the terrain and independently identifying targets.

Minster of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov suggested that as early as this summer, “the effects of centralised middle-strike procurement will already be felt on the battlefield.”

He continued: “The enemy will no longer feel safe, even far from the front lines.”

Currently, Ukraine is pulling together a list of priority requirements ahead of the next Ukraine Defence Contact Group at Ramstein set to convene in June. Notably, this does not specifiy middle strike capabilities but focuses on longer range systems and Western air defence since the e-points system will support middle strike needs.