Russia's battlefield motorcycle tactics proving to be fast-paced but flawed
Russia is preparing to make greater use of motorcycles and quad bikes to move troops across the battlefield, despite repeated failures in previous operations.
Footage released by the Russian defence ministry shows paratroopers training with motorcycles on muddy ranges, attempting to present an image of mobility and bravery.
However, videos from the frontline tell a different story, showing poorly trained Russian soldiers crashing into ditches and each other as Ukrainian forces target their positions.
Russian troops have been seen using motorbikes - and even electric scooters - for some time, often with disastrous results.
But now, the Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, says Moscow is planning to adopt a new tactical doctrine using motorbikes and quad bikes more systematically in its summer and autumn offensives.
Many of the vehicles are believed to have been supplied by China.
The aim is to move small groups of soldiers forward quickly, avoiding detection by Ukraine's increasing use of First Person View (FPV) kamikaze drones, which now account for a large proportion of Russian casualties.
Some areas of the front have been made almost impassable by drone strikes, and Russian commanders hope the speed and agility of motorcycle squads will allow them to bypass saturated drone zones.
Moscow is trying to seize as much ground as possible before any ceasefire freezes the frontline.
But the track record of Russian motorcycle assaults is poor.
In a recent failed attack in Donetsk, Russian forces lost 15 motorcycles and 40 soldiers to drones and landmines.
Ukrainian commanders have noted that while motorbikes may offer some mobility benefits, they also create vulnerabilities.
Many of the Russian bikes are petrol-powered, not electric, meaning riders often cannot hear drones circling overhead - putting them at even greater risk.
Despite the Kremlin's push to present motorcycle tactics as a solution, the reality on the ground continues to show heavy losses.
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