NewsUkraine decimates dozens of Russian tanks in Donetsk showdown
Ukraine decimates dozens of Russian tanks in Donetsk showdown
7:53 AM EDT, May 4, 2024
The Strategic Communications Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports dozens of Russian tanks and armored vehicles destroyed. Specifically, 42 vehicles were destroyed by the combined efforts of the 58th Independent Motorized Infantry Brigade and the 762nd State Special Transport Service Brigade.
A video prepared by the Ukrainian department showcases the destruction carried out by these two military units in the Donetsk region, capturing the ruin of exactly 42 vehicles by the soldiers over recent weeks of combat.
Aggressive campaign leads to significant losses
The Defence Blog portal points out that the aggressor's army suffered substantial losses in its attempt to forcefully advance around the cities of Chasiv Yar and Avdiivka. Despite sending an increasing number of machines to the front, the Russian Federation faces stiff resistance from Ukrainian soldiers, resulting in a considerable toll on its military hardware.
Consequently, the Donetsk region has been transformed into a vast graveyard of Russian equipment. The continual destruction of armored vehicles represents only a fraction of the extensive losses the Russian forces have incurred. Since the conflict's outset, evidence of nearly 3,000 tanks and 5,200 armored vehicles being destroyed has surfaced in photos and videos.
An intriguing detail of the video showing the wreckage of over 40 Russian machines is that many were equipped with anti-drone cages before their destruction. This defensive measure, designed to detonate approaching unmanned drones prematurely, has been adopted more broadly across various types of military machines, not just tanks. Among these innovations is the "turtle tank," first observed in April 2024 and highlighted as a significant tactical adaptation on the battlefield.
Both parties in the conflict continue to enhance the protection of their vehicles and, by extension, the safety of their crews. The use of anti-drone cages aims to initiate drone explosives away from the armor of the vehicles, mitigating damage.
It's worth noting that among the Russian armor, the T-72 tank, in its many versions, is often seen in footage from the Donetsk region. The T-72B variant, known for its enhanced armor and ability to fire a diverse array of projectiles at a rate of up to 8 shots per minute, is particularly widespread. Armed with a 125 mm cannon and complemented by 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns, this tank is a common sight on the battlefield.
