The Battle of Mariupol, which showed the end of modern street warfare, the pretext of destroying the Nazis

The Battle of Mariupol was a major military engagement that took place during the Russo-Ukrainian War, a conflict that began in 2014 and is ongoing as of 2023. The battle occurred in the city of Mariupol, located in southeastern Ukraine, and lasted for several months, from August 2022 to January 2023. It was one of the longest and most intense battles of the war, and resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

Background

The Russo-Ukrainian War began in 2014, when Russian forces annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. The conflict escalated in 2015, when a ceasefire was signed but quickly broke down, leading to an increase in hostilities. Since then, the war has continued to rage on, with sporadic fighting and occasional lulls in violence.

Mariupol is a port city located on the Sea of Azov, in southeastern Ukraine. It is strategically important due to its proximity to the border with Russia, as well as its location on a major highway that connects Ukraine's east and west. The city has been the site of several clashes throughout the course of the war, with both sides seeking to control its valuable resources and strategic location.

The Battle of Mariupol

In August 2022, Russian forces launched a major offensive in southeastern Ukraine, with the goal of capturing Mariupol and other key cities in the region. The offensive was part of a larger push by Russian forces to establish a land corridor between Russia and Crimea, which has been cut off from the rest of Russia due to international sanctions.

Russian forces began their assault on Mariupol on August 29th, 2022. They launched a heavy artillery barrage on the city, followed by a ground assault by armored vehicles and infantry. Ukrainian forces, which had been preparing for the attack for weeks, put up a fierce defense, using trenches, barricades, and other fortifications to slow the Russian advance.

The battle quickly devolved into a brutal urban conflict, with both sides fighting street by street and house by house. Russian forces used snipers, drones, and other advanced technologies to gain an advantage, while Ukrainian forces relied on their knowledge of the city and their willingness to engage in close-quarters combat.

Over the course of the next several weeks, the battle raged on, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Ukrainian forces received support from international allies, including the United States, which provided military aid and advisors to assist in the defense of the city.

In November 2022, Russian forces launched a major assault on the city's port, which was a key strategic objective. The port was heavily fortified and defended by Ukrainian forces, but Russian forces were eventually able to breach the defenses and capture the area. The loss of the port was a major blow to Ukrainian forces, as it cut off their ability to receive critical supplies and reinforcements.

Despite the loss of the port, Ukrainian forces continued to fight on, launching counterattacks and attempting to retake lost ground. However, by January 2023, it became clear that the Ukrainian forces were unable to hold the city against the superior firepower of the Russian military. On January 14th, Ukrainian forces began a withdrawal from Mariupol, marking the end of the battle.

Casualties and aftermath

The Battle of Mariupol was one of the deadliest battles of the Russo-Ukrainian War, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Exact numbers are difficult to determine, but it is estimated that several thousand soldiers and civilians were killed or injured during the course of the battle.

Following the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces, Russian forces established control over the city and began to consolidate their hold on the surrounding region. The capture of Mariupol was a major strategic victory for Russia, as it allowed them to establish a land corridor between Russia and Crimea, which had been cut off from the rest of Russia due to international sanctions. The capture of the city also gave Russian forces a strategic foothold in southeastern Ukraine, which they could use to launch further offensives or to consolidate their gains in the region.

The fall of Mariupol was a major blow to Ukraine and its allies, who had been fighting to defend the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. It was also a setback for the international community, which had been working to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

In the aftermath of the battle, there was widespread condemnation of Russia's actions, with many countries calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations. The United States and other Western powers imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting key individuals and companies involved in the conflict.

Despite these efforts, the conflict in Ukraine continues to rage on, with no end in sight. The fall of Mariupol was a significant turning point in the war, but it is unlikely to be the last. As long as the underlying political and economic issues remain unresolved, there is a risk that the conflict will continue to escalate, leading to further violence and instability in the region.

Lessons learned

The Battle of Mariupol offers several important lessons for military strategists and policymakers. One key lesson is the importance of urban warfare training and preparedness. The battle was fought in a densely populated urban environment, which made it difficult for both sides to maneuver and deploy their forces. Ukrainian forces were able to hold out for as long as they did due in part to their training and preparation for urban combat, which allowed them to make effective use of fortifications and other defensive measures.

Another lesson is the importance of air and naval superiority in modern warfare. Russian forces were able to gain the upper hand in the battle by using advanced technologies such as drones and precision-guided munitions to target Ukrainian defenses. Ukrainian forces were unable to match Russia's air and naval capabilities, which made it difficult for them to hold off the Russian assault.

The battle also highlights the importance of international cooperation and support in times of crisis. Ukrainian forces received military aid and advisors from the United States and other countries, which helped to bolster their defenses and prolong the battle. However, the international community's ability to provide assistance was limited, due in part to political and logistical challenges.

Conclusion

The Battle of Mariupol was one of the deadliest and most intense battles of the Russo-Ukrainian War. It was fought in a densely populated urban environment and resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The battle was a major strategic victory for Russia, which was able to establish control over the city and use it to create a land corridor between Russia and Crimea.

The battle offers several important lessons for military strategists and policymakers, including the importance of urban warfare training and preparedness, the need for air and naval superiority in modern warfare, and the importance of international cooperation and support in times of crisis.

The conflict in Ukraine remains ongoing, with no end in sight. The fall of Mariupol was a significant turning point in the war, but it is unlikely to be the last. As long as the underlying political and economic issues remain unresolved, there is a risk that the conflict will continue to escalate, leading to further violence and instability in the region.