Russian tank mishap: Damaged t‑72 takes a tumble in viral video
On social media, a recording has surfaced showing Russians maneuvering a truck with a trailer carrying a damaged T-72 tank. Although the soldiers' intentions are unknown, their purposes likely differ from what the video suggests.
The war in Ukraine brings new footage daily from the front lines, as well as from areas far removed from the fighting. While most of these videos depict varying levels of attack effectiveness from both sides, there is another aspect to the war—one that involves mocking Russian soldiers online.
Take, for example, a video of a Russian soldier fleeing from a drone and seeking safety in...a toilet, where he hides. Other clips showcase peculiar Russian constructions—machines often resulting from amateur efforts and using materials like fences and tin garages that the army has readily available.
Russian tank on a trailer
A video that spurred a flurry of comments and shares was published by profiles such as @front_ukrainian on X. It shows a Russian trailer transporting a damaged T-72 tank, notable for the missing track. The vehicle reverses as if the driver intends to position it for unloading, then suddenly brakes. The unsecured tank immediately gains momentum and slides off the trailer, with unsecured ramps for descent. This abrupt "unloading" ends with the tank crashing into a tree, halting the several-ton armored vehicle.
It remains unclear what the Russians aimed to accomplish in this film. Given the lack of tracks, it's reasonable to assume the tank was damaged and unfit for operation, thereby needing transport for repairs. However, the setting does not resemble a tank repair shop. This suggests that the "unloading" might have been accidental, resulting from improper load securing.
T-72 tank
The T-72 tank featured in the video is among the more widely used models in Russia. Its design dates back to the 1970s, but it has since seen numerous upgrades. Notably, the T-72B3 version stands out for its modern Sosna-U sight and enhanced reactive armor. The T-72B3 model is equipped with a 2A46M cannon with a 125 mm caliber and supported by PKT machine guns with 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm calibers. These modifications have significantly improved its battlefield effectiveness.
