Near Bakhmut, where the russian soldiers are taking major casualties, the Ukrainian drone recorded them being sent into the attack with sticks instead of rifles.
Enemy at the gate; One out of tow gets a rifle, one without follows...
Enemy at the gateOne out of tow gets a rifle, one without follows himThe one with the rifle shoot When the one with the rifle gets killed One who is followin...
This is my impression.
Looking at the way the stick is held, it's probably a mine-hunting tool, not a weapon.
The stick is an important weapon in karate, but it requires considerable skill.