Why Ukraine’s Special Forces Avoid Targeting Strategic Russian Transportation Routes

Ukraine’s special forces are known for their effectiveness in disrupting Russian logistics throughout the conflict. However, despite their capabilities, they have not focused on destroying key transportation routes like railroads and bridges as extensively as one might expect. There are several practical and strategic reasons for this.

Effectiveness of Aerial Drones

Ukrainian operations have leveraged drones to great effect, particularly in destroying Russian logistics and disrupting supply lines. Instead of deploying special operations units, Ukrainian forces use drones to act as spotter crafts for ground-based artillery and as mini-bombers, allowing them to minimize risks to their special operations teams.

For instance, a recent operation involved using drones to target railroads, complemented by artillery fire, to effectively disrupt Russian logistical networks. This approach maximizes the impact while minimizing the risk to Ukrainian ground forces.

Challenges in Bridge Destruction

While the destruction of bridges can severely disrupt Russian supply lines, there are significant challenges in carrying out such operations. The reasons are multifaceted:

The Catch-22 of Bridge Destruction

The destruction of smaller bridges can be highly effective, but these bridges may be too small to severely hamper Russian movements, leading to unproductive efforts. In contrast, larger bridges, while more impactful, are likely to be heavily guarded. This creates a catch-22: either target smaller bridges with minimal protection or larger bridges with significant security.

Transportation and Explosives

The transportation of sufficient explosives to destroy a moderately sized bridge is a significant challenge. Small teams may not have the capacity to carry several hundred pounds of explosives, which are required to properly destroy a bridge. The logistics of transporting such a quantity of explosives without being detected further complicates the issue.

Local Population Dynamics

The local population in areas controlled by Russian-backed separatists plays a crucial role in the success or failure of any such operations. Many residents in these regions are not sympathetic to the Ukrainian government, instead rooting for the separatists. This poses a significant challenge for Ukrainian special operations teams, who must not only hide from Russian forces but also avoid drawing suspicion from local civilians.

Operational Difficulty

Instead of relying on small resistance movements, the lack of widespread popular support means that Ukrainian special forces teams must operate independently. This limited access to local intelligence and support networks further complicates their ability to target key infrastructure.

Conclusion: The effectiveness of Ukrainian special forces in disrupting Russian logistics largely relies on strategic drone operations and small, targeted actions. While they have managed to cause significant disruption, the practical limitations in destroying larger bridges due to transportation and local population dynamics have limited their ability to carry out more extensive bridge destruction operations.

Understanding these challenges can provide valuable insights into the strategies and tactics used by both sides during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.