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Russia Reportedly Adopts "Triple Chokehold" Tactic to Pressure Ukrainian Defenses. What We Know

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
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Russia Reportedly Adopts "Triple Chokehold" Tactic to Pressure Ukrainian Defenses. What We Know
A view from a car during bad weather arriving into the city which is now almost on the front line on April 8, 2025 in Pokrovsk, Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)

Russian forces have begun using a new assault tactic that Ukrainian troops have dubbed the “triple chokehold,” according to a report by The Telegraph, citing Ukraine’s Armed Forces, on May 23.

The method involves a three-stage attack. First, Russian assault units engage to pin down Ukrainian troops and force them into fallback positions along their second defensive line. Then, Russian drones isolate the battlefield by targeting any troops left in exposed areas. As Ukrainian soldiers retreat into fortified positions, Russia strikes those defenses with guided glide bombs.

“This is where the real dilemma comes, or the really difficult one, to which there isn’t really an answer,” said research fellow for land warfare at the Royal United Services Institute Nick Reynolds.

“Digging in and all those protective measures are excellent for reducing attrition by artillery or FPVs, yet glide bombs will destroy those fortifications and bury people.”

The tactic reflects improved coordination between Russian combat branches and forces Ukrainian troops into a painful choice: hold positions under the threat of precision bombing, or stay mobile and risk exposure to drones.

“By using huge numbers of people and sending them in assaults on Ukrainian positions, they [Russians] are trying to exhaust our soldiers and our resources,” said Serhii Kuzan, the chairman of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre.

“The intensity of the fighting in places like Pokrovsk is very high, with assaults every two hours. This is of course exhausting for our soldiers.”

While this approach does not yield rapid territorial gains, The Telegraph notes it significantly reduces Russian assault casualties—unlike Ukrainian defenders, who are left to choose between being bombed in place or hunted by FPV drones.

Previously, it was reported that Ukrainian forces are observing a buildup of Russian troops near the state border in the Kharkiv sector, possibly indicating preparations for renewed assault operations.

This was stated by Andrii Pomahaibus, Chief of Staff of the 13th “Khartiia” Brigade of the National Guard, during a broadcast on Suspilne on May 21.

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