Ukraine-Russia Conflict, April 27, 2025 – The Russian armed forces are intensifying their deployment of small, fast-moving units using motorcycles and quadbikes on the frontlines in Ukraine as they prepare for anticipated new offensives. This tactical shift aims to evade detection and targeting by Ukrainian drones, according to Ukrainian military reports and conflict analysts.
On Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry released footage showing motorbike units training in pairs or trios, maneuvering through courses with coordinated precision. This marks a notable development in Russia’s battlefield tactics, with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington highlighting the emergence of a possible tactical doctrine centered on the offensive use of motorcycles.
Tactical Purpose and Ukrainian Response
Ukrainian military officials describe these motorcycle assaults as “banzai attacks,” emphasizing their speed and ability to penetrate enemy lines rapidly. Ukrainian commander Andriy Otchenash explained that motorcycles enable Russian forces to conduct blitzkrieg-style strikes, advancing quickly behind Ukrainian defenses. However, he acknowledged that Russian troops have suffered heavy casualties in such operations.
The Ukrainian Center for Strategic Communication interprets this strategy as a reflection of Russia’s limited access to heavy offensive equipment, prompting adaptation through more mobile, smaller units.
On Saturday, Ukrainian forces reported successfully repelling a Russian attack on the village of Bahatyr on the Donetsk front, destroying 15 motorcycles and killing approximately 40 Russian soldiers. Drone footage released by Ukraine showed targeted strikes on motorbike units in open terrain.
Advantages and Vulnerabilities
While motorcycles offer speed and agility, allowing Russian troops to evade drone surveillance, they also generate significant noise, which impairs riders’ ability to detect incoming drone threats. Ukrainian military spokesperson Colonel Pavloshyn described this as a double-edged sword.
Russian state media have highlighted the psychological impact of motorcycle units. A soldier from the 39th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, featured by Russia Today, claimed their ability to drive directly into enemy positions causes panic and forces Ukrainian forces to abandon their posts.
Additionally, motorcycles are used for logistical purposes, including evacuating wounded soldiers and civilians in difficult terrain. Footage from the Kursk region shows marines using all-terrain motorcycles to transport injured personnel through muddy conditions.
Broader Context and Equipment Procurement
The UK’s Defense Ministry noted last year an increase in Russian use of off-road bikes and all-terrain vehicles for night assaults, while also warning about their vulnerability to Ukrainian FPV (first-person view) drones, which target these lightly armored vehicles.
In late 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin inspected domestically produced all-terrain vehicles slated for military use. At that time, about 500 such vehicles were operational, with an additional 1,500 ordered by the Defense Ministry.