Russian Troops Use Decoys and Civilian Camouflage to Protect Crimea Supply Routes

Ukrainian drones are striking Russian military logistics along the land corridor to Crimea, from occupied Zaporizhzhia to Russia's Rostov region. In response, Russian forces are disguising military trucks as civilian vehicles and installing decoy positions along highways. Russian troops are painting military trucks red or burgundy and adding advertising and civilian business markings to conceal them. A convoy carrying ammunition and fortification equipment was recently spotted moving toward Berdiansk without escort, creating a complete illusion of non-military cargo. Along the R-280 "Novorossia" highway, Russia has placed mockups of mobile fire groups and bunkers with mannequins in military uniforms to deceive drones. A drone attack also damaged a bridge over the Mius River in Rostov region, adding roughly 30 kilometers to the route.