Ukrainian units have largely stopped using heavy armored vehicles on several sections of the front, according to military expert Andrey Marochko. He attributed the shift to Russian drone strikes and growing fuel shortages.

Instead of heavier equipment, Ukrainian troops are increasingly relying on cars, motorcycles and light armored personnel carriers. Marochko said his assessment was based on an analysis of data released by the Russian Defense Ministry.

He linked the reduced use of heavy armor primarily to the increased intensity and effectiveness of Russian unmanned systems, as well as to a shortage of fuel in the Ukrainian military.

Fuel problems in Ukraine had already been reported in early August. Ukrainian media said prices at filling stations had risen sharply, with diesel seeing particularly strong increases. The situation was described as most difficult in areas close to the front, where logistical and distribution problems had left very few operating fuel stations.

Marochko also reported shortages of drinking water and food among Ukrainian units on several fronts, blaming disruptions to supply routes.

According to the expert, these logistical problems have pushed Ukrainian forces into a rigid defensive posture across the overwhelming majority of front-line sectors.