In a concerning development, Russian marines and paratroopers are reportedly refusing to launch certain types of assaults due to significant losses suffered by other troops, according to a Ukrainian official. Nataliya Humenyuk, a press secretary for the Armed Forces of Ukraine's Joint Command South, revealed that these soldiers, considering themselves as "elite troops," are reluctant to engage in frontal assaults commonly carried out by former felons and reservists.

The Russian military has increasingly relied on high-risk frontal assaults consisting of waves of attacks in their invasion of Ukraine. These assaults aim to probe Ukrainian positions and secure small portions of territory, often resulting in substantial casualties.

Humenyuk cited the case of Russian attacks on Krynky in the Kherson Oblast in southern Ukraine, where Russian troops assaulting Ukrainian marine positions suffered losses exceeding 50%. She pointed out that in the Ukrainian sector, the number of low-grade Russian units, known as "Shtorm-Z," made up of older reservists and former felons committed to carrying out human wave attacks, is declining. Instead, more naval infantry and paratroopers are being deployed. However, these elite troops are hesitant to participate in frontal assaults.

The 104th Guards Airborne Division, one of Russia's newly formed paratrooper units, experienced significant setbacks in its combat debut in the Kherson region late last year. The UK Ministry of Defence reported that the unit likely suffered heavy losses and failed to achieve its objectives in the Kherson Oblast, where they aimed to dislodge Ukrainian positions near Krynky.

The ongoing conflict in Krynky has witnessed intense fighting as Ukrainian forces attempt to reclaim ground across the Dnipro River. Despite claims by Ukrainian officials about gaining ground on the eastern side of the river, soldiers and marines have disputed these assertions, stating that it is impossible to establish positions or move equipment in the area. The situation has been described by one soldier, identified as Oleksiy, as a "suicide mission" rather than a fight for survival.

Nevertheless, Ukraine's success in drone attacks above the Dnipro River has bolstered their position on the ground. The UK's Ministry of Defence reported that Russia is struggling to defend against Ukrainian drone attacks due to a shortage of electronic-warfare capability in the area. Ukraine's forces have been effectively using first-person-view drones to target Russian vehicles, resulting in significant destruction. A Russian military blogger estimated that approximately 90% of Russian military equipment deployed around Krynky has been destroyed.

These recent developments highlight the growing concern over heavy losses suffered by Russian troops, prompting even elite forces to refuse frontal assaults. The evolving dynamics on the ground and Ukraine's effective use of drone warfare may further complicate Russia's position in the ongoing conflict.