Russian forces have adopted a new doctrine for mechanised assaults using civilian transport on the front lines in Ukraine. Faced with Ukraine’s dominance in drones and maneuver warfare, the Russian Ministry of Defence has issued standards requiring each battalion to receive up to 30 motorcycles, 20 all‑terrain vehicles and six buggies. Assault companies are to be equipped with 15 motorcycles, 20 all‑terrain vehicles and three buggies, while platoons receive nine motorcycles, 20 all‑terrain vehicles and six buggies.
According to Ukrainian military correspondent Konstantin Mashovets, the 3rd Combined Arms Army alone has been supplied with some 1,125 motorcycles, 975 ATVs and 215 buggies. At present Russian units combine these vehicles with tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, but analysts warn that a future shift to motorcycle only attacks is likely if armoured reserves remain depleted.
Ukrainian commanders have dubbed such rush assaults “banzai attacks.” Lieutenant Colonel Andriy Otchenash said the motorbikes allow rapid strikes behind enemy lines but come at the cost of heavy Russian losses. Vehicles and volunteers’ donations remain the main source of transport for these unconventional units, highlighting the Russian dictator’s failure to supply proper military kit.
The Institute for the Study of War in Washington notes that recent Russian videos suggest the army is formalising tactical doctrine for systematic motorcycle offensives. ISW analysts predict that, as long as Ukrainian drone strikes and precision artillery continue to degrade Russian armour, Moscow’s forces will lean ever more heavily on fast low protection vehicles to attempt breakthroughs.
