Breaking The Myth of Russian “Human Wave” Attacks

Summary

The video script critically examines the notion of 'human wave attacks' purportedly used by Russian forces in Ukraine. The narrator methodically deconstructs this narrative, questioning the validity of the term and its widespread usage in media coverage. Through analysis of historical examples and the lack of clear video evidence, the script challenges the idea that the Russian military is employing unsophisticated, concentrated frontal assaults. Instead, it suggests that the term 'human wave attacks' is more of a propaganda tool than an accurate description of Russian tactics.

Takeaways

• 😲 The term 'human wave attack' has been widely used by Western media to describe Russian military tactics in Ukraine, but there is little concrete evidence to support the existence of such tactics.
• 🤔 The definition of a human wave attack involves unprotected, exposed, and concentrated frontal assaults by infantry formations, which does not align with the mechanized assaults and tactics observed from Russian forces.
• 📊 Analysis of historical examples, such as the Chinese People's Liberation Army in the Korean War and the Iranian forces in the Iran-Iraq War, suggests that the term 'human wave attack' was often used as a propaganda tool rather than accurately describing military tactics.
• 🔍 Despite extensive coverage of the conflict, including numerous videos and footage, there is a lack of clear evidence showing Russian troops conducting unprotected, frontal infantry assaults en masse, as would be expected in a human wave attack.
• 👨‍💻 Instances presented as evidence of Russian human wave attacks often involve small reconnaissance units, reinforcement units moving across captured territory, or troops seeking cover and concealment, none of which align with the definition of a human wave attack.
• 🚙 The use of mechanized armored vehicles, such as BMPs, in Russian assaults provides protection for troops and does not fit the description of an unprotected, exposed human wave attack.
• 🤝 If Russian mechanized column losses are considered human wave attacks, then similar losses suffered by Ukrainian forces during counteroffensives should also be classified as human wave attacks, suggesting a double standard in the use of the term.
• 🔄 The term 'human wave attack' has been misused and misunderstood, often applied to any situation where Russian troops suffer casualties, rather than accurately describing a specific military tactic.
• 🧠 The analysis suggests that the concept of Russian human wave attacks in Ukraine is more of a narrative or propaganda tool than a reflection of actual military tactics employed by Russian forces.
• 🤔 The lack of clear evidence and the misuse of the term 'human wave attack' raise questions about the accuracy and objectivity of media reporting on the conflict, highlighting the importance of critical analysis and fact-checking.

Q & A

What term is frequently used in media to describe Russian tactics in Ukraine?

The term frequently used is 'meatwave' or 'human wave' tactics.

Why do some analysts question the existence of 'meatwave' tactics in the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Analysts question the existence because there is a lack of video evidence to support claims of these tactics being used, despite extensive combat footage.

What is the historical origin of the term 'human wave attacks'?

The term 'human wave attacks' originated in the early 1950s during the Korean War, describing tactics used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

How do modern depictions of 'human wave attacks' compare to historical accounts?

Modern depictions often suggest unsophisticated, mass infantry assaults, but historical accounts, like those from the Korean and Iran-Iraq wars, indicate more strategic and localized infiltrations and ambushes.

What misconceptions exist about 'human wave' tactics based on footage from the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Misconceptions include interpreting any tightly packed or advancing group of soldiers as engaging in 'human wave' tactics, ignoring context like retreats or reinforcements moving to positions.

Why might the Russian military not need to resort to 'meatwave' tactics according to the script?

The script suggests that with Russia's reported advantage in firepower and mechanized units, plus sufficient manpower, there would be no strategic need to resort to such tactics.

How does the script challenge the portrayal of 'meatwave' tactics in the media?

The script challenges the portrayal by analyzing definitions, historical usage, and lack of corroborating evidence in current conflict footage, suggesting that the term is more propaganda than reality.

What evidence is often cited to claim 'meatwave' tactics and how does the script critique it?

Evidence cited includes tightly packed groups of soldiers or destroyed vehicle columns. The script critiques this by explaining operational context and contrasting with similar tactics not labeled as 'meatwave' when used by others.

What is the implication of using the term 'meatwave' in conflict reporting?

The implication is the portrayal of one side as unsophisticated and wasteful with human life, using it as a form of derogatory propaganda to rationalize military setbacks or demonize the opponent.

How does the script conclude about the use of 'human wave' tactics in the Russia-Ukraine war?

The script concludes that the narrative of 'human wave' tactics is largely mythological within the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, lacking concrete evidence and often misinterpreting military actions.