Ukraine has deployed all its four marine brigades, totaling 10,000 marines, to a 10-mile front line in Donetsk Oblast. This move could be decisive in the conflict but carries risks as the marines will eventually need to rest, and there are no additional brigades for replacement.
The article by David Axe on Forbes discusses the strategic deployment of Ukraine's four marine brigades along a 10-mile stretch of the front line in southern Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast. Here are the key points:
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The entire Ukrainian marine corps, consisting of approximately 10,000 marines in four brigades, has been deployed in this region. Their presence along the Mokri Yaly River Valley could be a decisive factor in achieving a major breakthrough.
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This simultaneous deployment of all elite marine brigades comes with significant risk. The marines represent the most potent offensive force in the Ukrainian order of battle, but they will eventually need to pull back for rest, repairs, and the induction of fresh recruits. This could potentially leave a gap that less effective army units might fill, providing an opportunity for a counterattack.
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The Ukrainian marine corps became an independent branch of the armed forces in May, on the orders of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Prior to 2014, there was just one marine brigade, the 37th, which belonged to the Ukrainian navy. New brigades formed as the now nine-year war escalated.
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Unlike marines in other countries, Ukrainian marines fight on land. They are organized, trained, and have an ethos that distinguishes them as marines. They are lighter than army brigades and their lightness confers speed.
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The marines have been more successful along this axis than the army has been farther to the west. The terrain is a factor, but their speed, discipline, and aggression have also contributed to their success.
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As Ukraine’s counteroffensive grinds into its third month, Kyiv is desperate for a major breakthrough and has deployed every one of its marine brigades along the axis. However, if the breakthrough doesn’t happen soon, the marines might need a break, and there isn't yet a fifth, sixth, or seventh marine brigade to swap in for the four brigades currently in the fight.
