Russian forces mistakenly destroy own vehicle in Kursk clash

A recording of one of the clashes between Ukrainians and Russians in the Kursk region has surfaced online. It shows a significant mistake by the Russians manning a BMP-3 vehicle, who destroyed a BMP-2 fighting on their own side instead of a Ukrainian vehicle.

Usually, friendly fire results from the mistaken identification of targets as hostile. As observers and military analysts on social media note, this is also likely the case here. This is somewhat surprising because, as seen in the footage, both Russian vehicles were very close to each other.

The crew of the Russian BMP-3 attacked and consequently destroyed their friendly BMP-2. Meanwhile, Kozak, a Ukrainian light armored vehicle with a 4×4 drive, calmly moved to a safe location. The incident took place in the village of Ruskaya Konopelka.

The BMP-2 is an infantry fighting vehicle from the 1980s. It was often used by the Russians during the war with Ukraine, not only on their territory but also in clashes in the Kursk region. It can hold up to 11 people (three crew members and a maximum of eight troops). The BMP-2 is almost 23 feet long but weighs relatively little, just 31,000 pounds, due to its weak armor.

The Russians have noticeably improved durability in the newer BMP-3. Produced since the 1980s, this infantry fighting vehicle is similar in length but significantly heavier—it weighs about 42,000 pounds. It has stronger armor, providing the crew with a much higher chance of survival in the event of an enemy attack, and also offers a better arsenal.

The BMP-3 has a low-pressure 100 mm cannon that can fire fragmentation shells or 9K116 Bastion anti-tank guided missiles. It also has a 30 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun. Its tracked drive and approximately 670 horsepower engine allow it to reach a maximum speed of about 43 mph.

The problems and increasing disorientation of Russians fighting in the Kursk region result from the good organization of Ukrainian operations, which also attack with a very diverse arsenal. Some elite Ukrainian brigades have been deployed to operations on Russian territory, equipped with equipment from NATO countries. In reports appearing on social media, various advanced military assets have been seen, including American Stryker armored vehicles, Oncilla armored personnel carriers, the PT-91 Twardy tank from Poland, and HIMARS artillery.