Ukraine is still seething after over two years of Russian hostilities. In one of the latest developments, the Ukrainian military sent personnel, vehicles, and aircraft into enemy territory in the largest incursion into the territory of Russia since the Second World War. To accomplish such a task, the besieged country fielded a wide diversity of military and repurposed vehicles from all over the world.

The military vehicles of Ukraine are essential to the country’s objectives as it pushes into the Russia-held territory

In a move that surprised analysts and policymakers worldwide, Ukraine sent forces into the Kursk region of Russia. It’s a territory bordering the northeastern border of Ukraine. But it’s an unlikely move given the constant defensive fighting within the country’s borders following the Russian invasion of 2022.

To fuel the push into the Kursk region of Russia, the Ukrainian forces are using armored vehicles, trucks, ambulances, and light armored vehicles from suppliers worldwide. For instance, the United States has supplied Ukrainian fighting forces with over 100 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Colloquially referred to as “Bradleys,” these tracked armored vehicles are vital for the war-torn country to repel Russian aggression. 

Unfortunately, as of June 2023, nearly 15% of those Bradleys had been destroyed, seriously damaged, or abandoned in combat operations, per CNN. Later Bradleys often employed explosive reactive armor to combat rocket-propelled ordinance like the RPG-7. However, the platform is largely insufficient against most modern anti-tank weapons.

In addition to tracked armored vehicles, Ukraine is fielding artillery and air defense pieces in the fight against Russia. For instance, western suppliers committed to supplying Ukrainian forces with M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers. As one of the few journalists close enough to work alongside HIMARS, I can attest that it is no joke.

Many capable military vehicles and weapons systems mechanized the Ukrainian effort to resist the tide of Russian hostility. Beyond ground assets, the country has rewritten the book on unconventional drone warfare in a conventional conflict. However, experts believe Ukraine is unlikely to attempt a long-term occupation. According to The New York Times, professional military and policy analysts state that the Ukrainian push into Russia likely has at least one of two objectives. 

Specifically, the first objective is to “draw Russian forces from the front lines in eastern Ukraine.” Analysts believe the second is to “seize territory that could serve as a bargaining chip in future peace talks.” As such, it’s unlikely that forces will spend much time deploying specific vehicles with occupation in mind. For instance, combat engineering equipment with the intent to establish lasting forward-operating bases (FOBs) and other operational sites.