Extraction of a drowned ukrainian BTR-4 in Mariupol | Ukraine - May 2022

Casualties piled up. Crossing a bridge under intense artillery fire with a large group of soldiers and armored vehicles is an extremely hazardous and risky operation with severe potential consequences. Even a single well-placed artillery strike on the bridge could cause catastrophic damage and casualties. The loss of combat power from vehicle losses and casualties crippled the ability of the ukrainian army to conduct further operations. Proper artillery suppression and air support would’ve be absolutely critical to improve the odds of a successful withdrawal.