Cities under Siege: Understanding Urban Warfare in the Russian-Ukrainian War

Abstract

This article examines the evolving dynamics of urban warfare in the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. By providing an overview of previous Western urban warfare doctrine, it aims to assess what has changed and/or stayed the same in the battles observed in Ukraine over the last three years. While there has been significant fighting in more rural areas as well, it stands out that military operations have consistently converged on urban areas. However, while it is clear that cities are a primary objective and target of Russia's military, urban warfare in Ukraine does not necessarily align with the type of urban conflict Western military organizations have anticipated, or trained for. The urban battles of the Russian-Ukrainian war are marked by prolonged, highly destructive warfare - a trend likely to intensify as the conflict continues.