Are 'Meat Wave' Attacks Real? My response to History Legends

I believe that theory of the "Meat Wave" came from "Meatgrinder: Russian Tactics in the Second Year of Its Invasion of Ukraine" from RUSI:

Also note that absence of evidence doesn't mean evidence of absence, so it may be possible that Russia is conducting these types of raids, but they have reduced the number of troops involved due to an inability to stage large scale attacks,

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[RyanMcBethProgramming]

I believe that theory of the "Meat Wave" came from "Meatgrinder: Russian Tactics in the Second Year of Its Invasion of Ukraine" from RUSI:


Also note that absence of evidence doesn't mean evidence of absence, so it may be possible that Russia is conducting these types of raids, but they have reduced the number of troops involved due to an inability to stage large scale attacks,

For uncensored video, check out my substack at:

Like my shirts? Get your own at:

Want a personalized greeting:

Watch all of my long form videos:

Twitter:
@ryanmcbeth
Instagram:
@therealryanmcbeth
BlueSky
@ryanmcbeth
Reddit:
/r/ryanmcbeth

Join the conversation:

Want to send me something?
Ryan McBeth Productions LLC
8705 Colesville Rd.
Suite 249
Silver Spring, MD 20910
USA

[BananaBrainsYYZ]

I love these airport videos because I can watch bystanders get confused as to why some guy is talking to himself about military tactics in an airport of all places.

[gennehring]

This dude works harder in a random airport than Ive ever done in my office...

[LeonTalksALot]

The comfort you show when performing your job infront of randoms at the airport is impressive as hell, it's like he's in his room.

[lastword]

I think something that Ryan is overlooking is that "meatwave" or "humanwave" is a derogatory term. Its like saying your enemy is just a horde. If you search meat wave attack you'll see a lot of propagandistic video titles with some calling the russians 'zombies'. So in that sense, its a propaganda term to denote that Russians arent capable of something more sophisticated than just throw waves of bodies.

[FighterDragon]

The argument in this video is kinda weird. Human wave / meatwave attack is by default MASSIVE, because the term WAVE implies huge mass of infantry attacking dense open environment. If it is not MASSIVE, then how it is a WAVE? Plus, you can search and find that UAF use the same tactics - the same infantry "canned" in armoured vehicles or tanks, and the same tactical level. Because, as author of this video pointed out well, there is too much drones and surveillance on the battlefield to amass more troops in one place and storm something. I think you are just digging the wrong way, Ryan - it is not just about "human wave" not being military term, it is that it contributes to a broader myth of Russians as total barbarians and dumb asian mongols compared to smart and civilised European troops who fight with dignity and intelligence, valuing human life, while Russia does not. This myth originated centuries ago and is now being revived to demonize Russia for political purposes. The problem is not whether Russia conducts "human wave tactics", the problem is whether you are able to look past ideological and cultural myths or not.

[AP-ccuw]

Ryan is effectively a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.

[northofnashira]

Meat Waves... Otherwise known as Brannigan's Gambit.

[seanmorgan]

So was Ukraine's offensive a meat wave?

[mind-blowing_tumbleweed]

You've completely missed that HL pointed out that Ukrainians do exactly the same thing (i.e. amass vehicles), but nobody calls them "meatwave attacks" for some reason.

[PrestonStewart]

Solid video as always Ryan! I agree that the term is probably a mix from a few sources. RUSI great piece that you referenced, Russian milbloggers who began using the term around Bakhmut, and then some Russian soldiers in public complaints on Telegram about how they’re being used. Part of the issue (I believe) is the impression is given that it’s hundreds or thousands of infantry running across open terrain and that’s never been the case. However the unsupported group of 3-5 BMPs or a squad/platoon sized element are still pretty regularly making up that ‘wave’. It’s strange to see for sure.

[nathanielnachtigall]

If there are human/meat-waves used by Russian Army you certainly can show us at least one video with such tactic employed.
One, Ryan. ONE.

[comfortablynumb]

My uncle was a Green Beret in Vietnam and he fought off wave attacks by the NVA. His descriptions were pretty chilling. He said when the recoilless rifle fired flachetes it was like watching grass blowing over in the wind. I had to get him drunk to talk about it. The waste of life really bothers him still.

[mjengel]

Unsupported incursions doesn’t have quite the visceral news headline appeal editors want, like “Meat Wave Attacks!!!”

[mr.kyborgadam]

Blud just proved History Legends right tbh

[seaegorov]

So any video footages? This was the main point there are no or very few videos …

[MrEnjoivolcom]

1:39 People in the back are like “wtf is he doing?! He just gestured jazz hands-fist it-rock climb?? Really hope he’s not on OUR flight!”

[balmgilead]

I believe the English term "cannon fodder" is "cannon meat" in Russian. This may add to the misuse of terms.

[KlodianHysi]

HISTORY LEGENDS was spot on with facts and scenarios . I think the American Public and those BBC DW listeners assume waves of russians just go in from of artilery 😂

[johnrivera]

So, in summary, History Legends was right. Gotcha. This video could've been a short.