Key takeaways:
- In late February, Russian reservist soldiers were ordered to attack a Ukrainian position with firearms and shovels.
- The shovels used by the Russian forces are likely the same ones used since the days of the czars.
- Western countries are increasing the supply of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, as well as expanding training programs for the personnel of the Ukrainian army.
The British Ministry of Defense recently released a daily intelligence briefing which revealed that in late February, Russian reservist soldiers were ordered to attack a Ukrainian position with firearms and shovels. This is a sign of the increased close-quarter fighting which has come to characterize much of the war.
The Ministry of Defense also noted that the shovels used by the Russian forces are likely the same ones used to dig trenches and which have been used since the days of the czars. The lethality of the standard-issue MPL-50 entrenching tool is particularly mythologised in Russia.
In response to the increased close-quarter fighting, Western countries are increasing the supply of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, as well as expanding training programs for the personnel of the Ukrainian army.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu recently stated that the city of Donetsk is an important defense hub of Ukrainian troops in the Donbas. He added that taking it under control will allow further offensive actions deep into the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The continued use of shovels as a weapon in the war highlights the brutal and low-tech fighting which has come to characterize much of the conflict. It is a reminder of the long-standing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the need for continued support and assistance from Western countries.
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