Black Bird Group (@Black

Black Bird Group

393 posts

Black Bird Group

@Black_BirdGroup

Security & Conflict Analysis NGO. Eyes on the Russian military and the war in Ukraine. contact(at)blackbirdgroup.fi Map: https://www.blackbirdgroup

Finland

Joined August 2022

Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Jan 16, 2025
Light Infantry Attacks – A Thread Why does our @J_JHelin keep rejecting the "human waves" narrative, instead calling the reported North Korean attacks in Kursk "basic infantry drills"? Let’s dive into light infantry on the attack and why this distinction matters. 1/
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Mar 9, 2025
We have updated the map to reflect the emerging situation in the Kursk salient, where recent Russian offensive have forced the Ukrainians to withdraw from large areas. The northern part of the salient has been abandoned, with Russians capturing Malaya Lokanaya. 1/
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Sep 2, 2025
In August the Russians occupied 430 sqkm of Ukrainian territory. This is down from the 502 sqkm in July. However, looking at the numbers alone does not give a full picture of the Russian operations. Over the second half of August the situation became increasingly dynamic.
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Jul 3, 2025
Russian advance slowed down in June. According to our data, over the month of June, the Russian Armed Forced captured 423 square kilometers of Ukraine. This is down from 538 square kilometers captured in May. Russian pace of advance is currently similar to late summer 2024.
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Mar 9, 2025
Replying to @Black_BirdGroup
The mild weather has led to ground conditions becoming soft. This greatly limits off-road traverse further complicating withdrawal. The Ukrainians will likely attempt to delay the Russian advance with rearguard battles to secure a large scale withdrawal from the salient. 6/6
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Jan 16, 2025
Replying to @Black_BirdGroup
Why does this matter? Reports of North Korean troops in Kursk often mention “human wave” tactics. This narrative oversimplifies what’s likely happening: They’re employing basic, scalable infantry drills. These are rooted in fire and movement, not mindless rushing. 14/
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Jan 16, 2025
Replying to @Black_BirdGroup
Why is light infantry relevant? Post-Cold War world Western forces are mechanized, but light infantry remains because: It’s cheap. Has a smaller logistical footprint (easier to feed/supply). Can be rapidly deployed. Offers superior tactical mobility in rough terrain. 4/
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Mar 9, 2025
Replying to @Black_BirdGroup
According to Russian sources the Ukrainians had rotated some units out of the salient earlier. It's possible that the Ukrainians were preparing for larger withdrawals. Recent Russian operations may have started as an pre-emptive attempt to disrupt any Ukrainian withdrawal. 2/
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Jan 16, 2025
Replying to @Black_BirdGroup
To put it in perspective: Most WWII infantry would be classified as “light” today. No armored vehicles, minimal mechanization, and reliant on basic infantry tactics. Modern light infantry is generally built for flexibility, not brute force, at least in the west. 3/
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Jan 16, 2025
Replying to @Black_BirdGroup
Nevertheless the term "human waves" conjures up imagery of reckless, suicidal assaults. What we see in Kursk aligns more with light infantry doctrine. The losses? Heavy, yes. But that's expected when light infantry attacks prepared positions. 16/
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Jan 16, 2025
Replying to @Black_BirdGroup
How does light infantry operate? Despite technological advancements, basic infantry tactics have changed little since the World Wars. Units operate in fireteams, squads, platoons, and companies. Core principles: Fire and movement. 6/
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Jan 16, 2025
Replying to @Black_BirdGroup
What is light infantry? At its core, light infantry are troops that: Operate on foot in combat. Have little to no support from vehicles. Move organic support (mortars, MGs) on foot or trucks. Rely primarily on infantry weapons to fight. Pictured: Finnish Jäger Company 2/
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Jan 16, 2025
Replying to @Black_BirdGroup
For states with limited resources or for operations where vehicles can't maneuver easily (dense forests, mountains, urban areas), light infantry remains the go-to force. Its flexibility comes at a cost: higher casualties, especially in frontal assaults. 5/
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Black Bird Group
@Black_BirdGroup
Mar 9, 2025
Replying to @Black_BirdGroup
Russian actions throughout the area of operations seem coordinated, further reinforcing the assessment that instead of reacting to a sudden Ukrainian withdrawal, the Russians have the initiative and are forcing the Ukrainians to react to their operations. 3/
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