Russian forces are increasingly resorting to using civilian vehicles for frontline assaults due to severe shortages of armored military equipment, according to recent battlefield observations and intelligence reports.
After losing nearly 11,000 armored vehicles since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, Russian units are now conducting attacks using modified civilian cars, motorcycles, quad bikes, and even standard passenger vehicles against Ukrainian defensive positions.
Despite claims by Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev about producing 1,500 new tanks in 2023, approximately 85% of Russian armored vehicles deployed to the front are actually decades-old equipment pulled from long-term storage facilities. Satellite imagery reveals that storage depots like Vaghzhanovo in Buryatia have been depleted of almost half their pre-invasion stocks.
Recent combat footage from Ukraine's 54th Mechanized Brigade showed Russian troops attempting an assault in a modified VAZ Zhiguli car, with its roof and doors removed and makeshift anti-drone protection installed. The vehicle was destroyed by Ukrainian drones while following tracks made by armored vehicles in an apparent attempt to avoid landmines.
In another incident documented by Ukraine's 60th Separate Mechanized Brigade, Russian infantry conducted an assault using three modified Niva SUVs, all of which were subsequently destroyed by Ukrainian drone strikes.
The equipment shortage extends beyond combat vehicles. Russian forces have been observed using civilian cars, trailers, and minibuses to transport artillery ammunition, with personnel wearing civilian clothing during these operations.
This shift to civilian vehicles represents a stark departure from conventional military tactics and highlights the severe depletion of Russia's armored vehicle fleet. Even the limited numbers of new tanks reaching the front lines, including T-80 and T-90 models, reportedly lack critical components such as explosive reactive armor and laser-guided targeting systems.