NewsRock Star's Battlefront Betrayal: No Cash for Tank Takedown

Rock Star's Battlefront Betrayal: No Cash for Tank Takedown

Russians boast in Moscow about a destroyed M1A1 Abrams tank.

Images source: © Telegram

8:49 PM EDT, May 8, 2024

As Radio Svoboda reports, Vladimir Kiselev, the leader of the rock band "Zemliane," has declined to fulfill his promise of a reward to a Russian soldier who allegedly destroyed two American M1A1 Abrams tanks on the battlefield. Kiselev had previously pledged to reward anyone who could accomplish this feat.

31 M1A1 Abrams tanks were delivered to Ukraine. Although the more modern M1A2 models were initially considered, the decision was made to send the older variants to aid Ukraine faster, following appeals from the Ukrainians due to timing concerns.

The Abrams tanks are lauded by experts and Ukrainian soldiers for offering significantly improved operational comfort, better equipment, and superior firepower compared to Soviet-era tanks, even though they have shown to be not as robust as initially thought, revealing some vulnerabilities.

It has been reported that Russians have successfully destroyed five Abrams tanks, with an additional three suffering damage severe enough to sideline them from the conflict temporarily. According to two American military officials cited by the Associated Press, these losses have led to a decision to withdraw all such vehicles from frontline duty.

A Russian proudly claimed he had destroyed two Abrams tanks at the front and expected a reward for his actions. However, contrary to his expectations, he will not receive any financial reward.

Famous rock band "Zemliane" member Vladimir Kiselev has refused to provide the promised reward to the Russian soldier known by the call sign "Desant," who claimed to have destroyed two American tanks.

The Russian's lie. Refusal to pay for the tank destruction

The controversy began when Kiselev announced at the International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg last year his pledge to offer rewards to the Russian military for destroying Western tanks, a commitment that soldiers remember well today. However, his bandmates claim Kiselev's promise was about German Leopard tanks, omitting American Abrams. This contradicts a video from the forum where Kiselev is seen stating his willingness to reward the destruction or capture of both Leopard and Abrams tanks.

Together with the ministry, we will reward anyone for the destruction or capture of a Leopard and Abrams tank - Vladimir Kiselev declared at the event hosted by Russian Media Group.

Yet, it appears that Kiselev is now unwilling to honor his public promise to the soldiers.