However, there is actually no such special military term, experts told Sputnik, giving their vision of what the strategy's name implies.
In an interview with Sputnik, military expert and retired colonel Anatoly Matviychuk explained that the Russian military is effectively using a strategy called “complex strike system.”
This approach – which journalists call a “waterfall” attack – combines “time- and location-coordinated firepower with ground attacks on the enemy’s rear and flanks,” Matviychuk noted.
“Such a strategy combines attacks on enemy firepower, defenses and control systems in the rear and flanks,” the expert with combat experience in Afghanistan and Syria explained further.
According to experts, before using such tactics, the Russian army tried to launch a direct attack on the enemy, but this caused many personnel losses.
“This strategy is currently enabling the Russian army to push the enemy into a tactical isolation, then gradually consolidate the encirclement, increasing it to a full blockade. And the enemy has two options: surrender or be destroyed,” said Colonel Matviychuk.
He recalled that similar tactics were used during the attack on Ugledar and the recent developments in the south of Donetsk.
After military successes opened the road to Pokrovsk west of Donetsk, the Russians systematically used similar tactics.
Retired Russian Army colonel and veteran military analyst Viktor Litovkin believes that the term "waterfall attack" could mean multiple layers of simultaneous attacks and consolidation of positions by several echelons, with each wave following the next one in succession.
“A cascading attack does not have to be on one front. It can include flanking attacks or be carried out along the entire front line,” he said.
Expert Litovkin also pointed out the serious problems facing the Ukrainian army, including a shortage of ammunition, manpower, air and artillery support, as well as the inability to consolidate its ranks.
He noted that Russian forces have continued to heavily shell supply lines, further complicating the situation. In addition, Mr. Litovkin warned that many Ukrainian soldiers “have no will to fight and are not adequately trained.”
“Victory in this conflict depends on the spirit of those who are shedding blood on the battlefield. If the Ukrainian army no longer has the fighting spirit, it is obviously impossible to continue hostilities,” Russian expert Litovkin concluded.
