Ukrainian forces take down Russia's rare Rakushka APC near Bakhmut

The 225th Separate Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian army was credited with this achievement, having operated in the Donetsk region near Bakhmut. Information about this event was widely shared on social media.

A video circulated online captures the BTR-MD Rakushka engulfed in flames. Although it does not document the exact moment of the attack, which occurred just before, analysts following the war in Ukraine infer that improvised kamikaze drones likely played a role in its destruction.

Such drones are essentially small, commercial UAVs modified with explosive devices. They have become a common tool in the conflict, presenting a credible threat to older, less-protected vehicles and some more modern and expensive machinery. There have been instances where these drones successfully destroyed Russian T-72B3 and even T-90M tanks.

The inclusion of BTR-MD Rakushka armored personnel carriers in the Russian airborne forces' arsenal was noted with the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, they are seldom seen on the battlefield. The Military Balance 2023 report notes that less than 100 of these vehicles are currently in service with Russian forces.

Designed as an amphibious armored personnel carrier, the BTR-MD Rakushka is tracked and powered by a 450-horsepower engine. It can achieve speeds up to 31 mph on land and 6 mph in water. Weighing approximately 14.3 tons, it is equipped to transport a crew and several paratroopers armed with two 7.62 mm machine guns. If desired, a 30 mm grenade launcher can be mounted.

Despite its capabilities, the BTR-MD Rakushka’s armor offers limited protection and can withstand only light gunfire and shrapnel. This makes it vulnerable not just to heavy armament but also to mines and, as highlighted by the recent Ukrainian operation, drone strikes.