Ukrainian Armed Forces report Russia switching to "Syrian" scorched earth tactics

The Military Media Center reported the information.

On April 9, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of the Eastern Military Group, visited the hottest areas of the frontline in the Bakhmut direction.

The military met with the soldiers of the Army, Air Assault and Territorial Defense brigades who are resisting Russia’s offensive. The commander also honored the Ukrainian soldiers with awards, gifts and prizes.

"Our courageous soldiers have exhausted Wagner mercenaries, so the enemy is now forced to engage special forces and air assault units in the battle for Bakhmut. The fighting is fierce on both sides," said Syrskyi.

The commander of the Eastern military grouping emphasized the change in Russian troops’ behavior on the battlefield.

"The enemy has switched to the so-called "Syrian" scorched earth tactics. They destroy buildings and positions with air strikes and artillery fire. The defense of Bakhmut continues. The situation is difficult but under control," added Syrskyi.

• Earlier, Natalia Humeniuk, head of the joint coordination center of Ukraine’s South Defense Forces, said that Russian troops are launching their aviation more actively in southern Ukraine due to a new tactic: they tie grenades to UAVs and hit crowds of people.