Ukrainian troops reclaim submerged Russian BMP‑2 in daring move
Ukrainian soldiers from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade conducted a special operation and captured a Russian BMP-2 that had been submerged in one of the lakes for two years. According to assessments from organizations like the Operational-Strategic Group of Troops "Chortyca," this is a success for the Ukrainians, though it also underscores some challenges facing their army.
"On one hand, it's a brilliant, well-thought-out, and heroic operation. On the other hand, if our soldiers had sufficiently modern equipment, perhaps they wouldn't have to risk their health and lives to capture such a trophy," stated the official Telegram channel of the Operational-Strategic Group of Troops "Chortyca."
The Ukrainians retrieved a Russian BMP-2 from the water
Information reveals that the Russian BMP-2 was pulled out from "right under the noses of the occupiers," who "abandoned it fully loaded with ammunition." The operation was carried out on the northern outskirts of the village of Torske in the Donetsk region, almost directly on the front line.
According to Ukrainian soldiers from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade, the operation became possible once receding water partially exposed the Russian BMP-2. The success was not only due to proper preparation but also favorable weather conditions—fog and sleet made it difficult for the Russians to observe and potentially attack.
An additional fighting vehicle for Ukrainians
Initial inspections confirmed the Ukrainians' suspicions. The retrieved BMP-2 showed no signs of mechanical damage and will be sent for necessary repairs after submerging. It will then return to combat but on the Ukrainian side.
The BMP-2 is about 40 years old and primarily used to transport mechanized infantry and support tanks. It is familiar to both Russians and Ukrainians. Inside, there is space for eight soldiers, plus three crew members, and its armament includes a 2A42 30 mm cannon, a 7.62 mm machine gun, and a 9K113 Konkurs anti-tank guided missile launcher.
In 2022, Łukasz Michalik, a journalist from Wirtualna Polska, wrote that considering the losses in Ukraine and challenges facing their industry, the Russians announced plans to resume production of the BMP-2.
