On June 12, the Armed Forces of Ukraine released video footage claiming to depict a precise drone attack that effectively destroyed a Russian T-80 tank.
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According to an announcement by the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, the destruction of the Russian T-80 tank occurred in the Kupyansk direction, an area spanning the northeastern region of Kharkiv in Ukraine.
The operation was carried out by the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian military with the support of the Army of Drones, a state-launched Ukrainian project focused on systematically acquiring unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The shared video by the General Staff displays a sequence of events involving the targeted tank. The footage begins by focusing on the tank before transitioning to a scene where the tank is seen engulfed in flames.
A crew member of the Russian tank can be observed climbing on top of the damaged vehicle, accompanied by another individual appearing by the side of the tank. The video then shows what appears to be a bomb being dropped near the tank.
A Ukrainian kamikaze drone hits a Russian T-80 tank near Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, eastern Ukraine.
?https://t.co/YbdTwOKOlS pic.twitter.com/nq2DTsLQ1a— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) June 11, 2023
As Ukrainian forces launched counter-offensive operations in various sectors, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the highly anticipated push was finally underway.
Alongside this development, Ukraine continues to share video footage, often captured by drones, depicting the obliteration of Russian military equipment and vehicles, including tanks.
On June 8, Ukraine also shared another video capturing a UAV attack executed by Ukrainian forces on the Zaporizhzhia front. The footage demonstrates the successful destruction of Russian military equipment and an ammunition storage point.
Ukraine asserts that three Russian tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, and an ammunition storage point were eliminated in a single sortie during this operation.
The Ukrainian forces claimed they carried out the attack employing undisclosed secret attack drones, which they intend to reveal more about after victory.
That being said, the recently shared videos are apparently associated with Ukraine’s “Army of Drones” initiative, which aims to raise funds for providing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to strengthen the capabilities of Kyiv’s armed forces.
These UAVs have assumed a significant role in the ongoing conflict, playing a prominent part in the war efforts of both sides involved.
Russia’s Improved Weaponry And Tactics Challenge Ukraine’s Counter-offensive
As the counter-offensive operation is underway, Ukrainian troops are actively assessing Russian defenses, engaging an adversary that has encountered setbacks and committed errors during the 15-month-long war.
However, analysts emphasize that Moscow has also gleaned valuable lessons from these missteps, enhanced its weaponry, and refined its skills.
Russia has fortified its defenses, improved its electronic warfare capabilities, and transformed old heavy bombs into precision-guided munitions. These developments demonstrate the ongoing evolution of the conflict and the efforts by both sides to strengthen their positions.
The evolving tactics of Russia, coupled with an increase in troop numbers and advanced weaponry, pose challenges for Kyiv in achieving a swift and decisive victory. This raises the possibility of a prolonged battle of attrition.
General Mark Milley, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs, acknowledged that although Ukraine’s military is well-prepared, the ongoing conflict is likely to be characterized by a protracted back-and-forth struggle. He noted that the duration of the conflict would extend over a significant period.
Southern Ukraine is currently grappling with catastrophic flooding attributed to the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, which both sides in the conflict blame each other for.
As mentioned, Ukrainian forces have initiated numerous offensives in various sectors. However, they have encountered significant challenges due to the robust fortifications of the Russian defenses. Thus, the gains achieved by the Ukrainian troops have been relatively limited.
At the onset of the conflict, the Russian military made a critical error by deploying extensive convoys that became vulnerable to Ukrainian artillery and drones. This miscalculated move occurred during their unsuccessful attempt to seize Kyiv.
Subsequently, Ukrainian missiles dealt a significant blow to Russian pride by sinking the flagship of its Black Sea Fleet, the cruiser Moskva. Moreover, Kyiv’s rockets targeted Russian ammunition depots and command headquarters, causing substantial damage.
In response to these setbacks, Russian forces hastily retreated from large areas in the east and south in the fall.
Despite these initial defeats, Russia solidified its defenses in the captured territories. Just last month, it asserted control over the eastern city of Bakhmut after a protracted and intense battle, marking a notable milestone in the conflict.
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