March 7, 2023
1 min read

Russian reservists fighting with shovels, says UK intelligence

The continued use of the shovel “as a weapon highlights the brutal and low-tech fighting which has come to characterise much of the war”, it said…reports Asian Lite News

Russian reservists are likely using “shovels” for “hand-to-hand” combat in Ukraine due to a shortage of ammunition, the UK’s Ministry of Defence has said, according to a media report.

In late February, reservists described being ordered to assault a Ukrainian position “armed with only ‘firearms and shovels’,” the ministry said in its intelligence update.

It mentioned a shovel known as ‘MPL-50’. The tool was designed in 1869 and had changed little, the ministry said. “The lethality of the standard-issue MPL-50 entrenching tool is particularly mythologised in Russia,” the ministry said.

The continued use of the shovel “as a weapon highlights the brutal and low-tech fighting which has come to characterise much of the war”, it said.

One of the reservists described being “neither physically nor psychologically” prepared for the action, the update added. “Recent evidence suggests an increase in close combat in Ukraine,” it said.

“This is probably a result of the Russian command continuing to insist on offensive action largely consisting of dismounted infantry, with less support from artillery fire because Russia is short of munitions.”

Meanwhile, Russian forces appear to have secured a sufficient positional advantage in the besieged city of Bakhmut, the Imstitute for the Study of War (ISW) said.

Bakhmut has seen months of fighting, as Russia tries to take control of the small city, where around 4,000 civilians remain.

Taking the city would be a rare battlefield success in recent months for Russia, but the city’s strategic value has been questioned, the BBC reported.

The ISW said Russia’s positional advantage could allow a “turning movement” in the city.

The purpose of a turning movement is to force the enemy to abandon prepared defensive positions, and is different from the aim of an encirclement, which is to trap and destroy enemy forces, the ISW says.

ALSO READ-India, Russia to unlock full potential of ties

Previous Story

China agrees to back Lanka’s debt restructuring

Next Story

UK-India bilateral tourism set to take off this year

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan FM Due in Bangladesh

During his visit Dar will hold discussions with the Foreign Affairs Advisor Towhid Hossain and also call on Muhammad Yunus…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

Balochistan: Where the State Makes People Disappear

The victims include students, journalists, and peaceful protesters, many of whom were abducted from cities such as Karachi and Islamabad….reports Asian Lite News A human rights organisation on Monday revealed that 785

Monsoon Havoc in Pakistan

Since June 26, torrential rains have killed at least 299 people—including 140 children—and injured 715 in Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News Since June 26, torrential monsoon rains have devastated Pakistan, killing at least

Bangladesh’s Dark Turn

With the Awami League outlawed and absent from the electoral fray, a vacuum has emerged — one that has not necessarily been filled with stability….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s political landscape has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UK sees drop in international student applications

Recent statistics from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

Indian journo’s exhibition in UK brings back dark memories

It is also exhibiting work during the Indian emergency days