The Russia-Ukraine war is a bloody conflict that has lasted for almost two years, and the two sides have launched fierce firepower confrontations on the front line. In this war, snipers are a special fighting force, they are not only able to inflict significant manpower on the enemy**, but also can affect the enemy's morale and actions.
If the Russo-Ukrainian war is defined as a hard-fought artillery battle supported by tanks, drones, and cruise missiles, then the role of the sniper, invisible and deadly, occupies an often overlooked part of the battlefield. Disguised by high-tech killing tools and the blunt force of howitzers and mortars, snipers are part of a more rudimentary infantry force, relatively few in number, but no less important than they were more than a century ago, when World War I shooters could terrorize 100 people with a single shot. But modern technology, especially the proliferation of small drones as lethal observation tools over the front line, has made it more difficult to snipe from a covert position. This forces the sniper to change tactics or risk a quick death.
So, how do snipers work in the Russian-Ukrainian war?This article will analyze the following aspects:
Equipment and techniques of snipers.
The equipment and technology used by snipers in the Russia-Ukraine war have their own characteristics, reflecting the military strength and strategic intentions of both sides.
On the Russian side, snipers mainly use sniper rifles of the SV-98, SVD and OSV-96, of which the SV-98 and SVD are modifications based on the AK-47, and the OSV-96 is a large-caliber anti-materiel rifle capable of penetrating armor and concrete. Russian snipers also use advanced technologies such as laser rangefinders, infrared sights, radio communication equipment, etc., which are able to improve the accuracy and coordination of snipers.
On the Ukrainian side, snipers mainly use sniper rifles of SVD, VSS and T-5000 models, of which SVD is a classic of the Soviet period**, VSS is a silencing rifle used by special forces, and T-5000 is a high-precision sniper rifle made in Russia but purchased by Ukraine from Western countries. Ukrainian snipers also use modern technologies such as night vision devices, thermal imagers, drones, etc., which are able to enhance the reconnaissance and stealth capabilities of snipers.
Sniper tactics and strategy.
Snipers in the Russia-Ukraine war have adopted different tactics and tactics to adapt to different battlefield environments and objectives.
On the Russian side, snipers mainly carry out the tasks of "suppression" and "destruction", and they use their firepower superiority to carry out precision strikes on important targets such as Ukrainian commanders, communicators, observers, medical personnel, etc., in order to weaken Ukraine's command and control capabilities. Russian snipers have also sabotaged Ukraine's logistical supply lines and civilian facilities to cut off Ukrainian supplies and energy**. Russian snipers usually operate in small groups, equipped with observers, communicators, and protectors, who are adept at using terrain and buildings for camouflage and cover, making them difficult to detect and eliminate.
On the Ukrainian side, snipers mainly perform the tasks of "defense" and "counterattack", and they use their reconnaissance advantages to carry out precision strikes on important targets such as Russian armored vehicles, artillery, and drones to reduce the pressure on Russia's firepower. Ukrainian snipers also strike back at Russian snipers and special forces to protect Ukrainian positions and personnel. Ukrainian snipers usually act in individual or duo units, equipped with night vision devices, thermal imagers and drones, and they are good at using darkness and haze for concealment and surprise attacks, which are difficult to be attacked and defended.
The number of snipers in the Ukrainian army is unknown, but it is estimated that there are several thousand, divided into two main categories. Most are called shooters and are able to shoot at a distance of about 300 meters. They often supported their comrades in the trenches in battle. The second category is reconnaissance snipers, who are called "long-range shooters" among snipers. These are the few infantry who are able to shoot accurately at a distance of 1600 meters and beyond, able to read the wind, temperature and air pressure (with the help of an observer) before pressing the trigger slightly.
The psychology and morality of a sniper.
Snipers in the Russia-Ukraine war face enormous psychological and moral pressure, and they must make difficult choices on the brink of life and death.
On the Russian side, snipers are strongly educated and propagandized by patriotism and nationalism, they consider themselves fighting to defend the interests and honor of Russia, and Ukraine is an enemy and traitor of Russia. Russian snipers have no sympathy or pity for Ukrainian civilians and soldiers, and they even take pleasure in killing their enemies, taking their own achievements as a symbol of honor and prestige. Russian snipers are also at risk of reprisals by Ukrainian snipers and rebels, and they must always be vigilant and calm, without any hesitation or slackness.
On the Ukrainian side, the snipers are strongly influenced and supported by liberalism and democracy, who consider themselves fighting to defend the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, and Russia is the aggressor and oppressor of Ukraine. Ukrainian snipers have a certain respect and understanding for Russian civilians and soldiers, they do not deliberately kill innocent people, nor do they kill the enemy for the sake of killing the enemy, but on the principle of self-defense and justice. Ukrainian snipers are also in danger of being hunted down by Russian snipers and special forces, and they must always remain brave and determined, without any fear or retreat.
Killing another person with a high-powered rifle and scope is a deliberate, occasionally intimate experience, unlike the close-quarters, frantic ** of trench warfare. Especially at long ranges, snipers often have to wait for hours, using weather apps, ballistics calculators, and notebooks to set sights before pulling the trigger.
Epilogue.
Snipers in the Russian-Ukrainian war are a special fighting force, they play an important role in the war, affecting the course and outcome of the war.