Russian tanks in peril: Minefields wreak havoc on front lines
12:49 PM EDT, July 9, 2024
During the war in Ukraine, we are witnessing unusual behaviors by Russian soldiers on the front lines. One notable incident has been documented online. The footage shows a Russian tank driving over a mine and bursting into flames.
Many Russian soldiers are unprepared for the war with Ukraine. This is a systemic issue in Russia, where many conscripts are sent to the front without proper training and adequate equipment.
Russian propaganda also plays a role; from the beginning of the war, it has only referred to a "special military operation" or fighting so-called Nazis. This could explain some of the irrational behavior exhibited by Russian soldiers. They have not been informed about the actual conditions in Ukraine.
It's no wonder that, at times, we are witnessing unusual behaviors by Russian soldiers on the front lines. One of these incidents has been documented online.
A Russian tank was driving across a cleared field. Safety protocols should always be maintained in such situations. The tape was even laid down to ensure no one ventured in that direction.
The Russians underestimated the danger. The footage shows a tank driving over a mine and bursting into flames.
Minefields play a significant role during the war in Ukraine – mines inflict serious losses on both sides of the conflict and sometimes completely prevent effective offensives.
A few thousand tanks in Russian warehouses
Shortages in the Russian Federation's arsenal are evident in many bases. Dr. Michael Gjerstad, an analyst from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, confirms this. The military expert estimates that Russians "still have about 3,500 tanks in storage." However, the condition of the machines in storage is crucial.
But the vast majority are in poor condition and require significant repairs, says Gjerstad.
According to the Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces, Russians have lost over 8,000 tanks since the beginning of the war. Gustav Gressel from the European Council on Foreign Relations notes this, emphasizing that Russia is "losing far more equipment than it can replace, and stocks are running out."
