Ukrainian forces have captured seven Russian tanks in the Kursk region since the start of their incursion, according to reports from the 80th Air Assault Brigade. The seized vehicles include one of Russia’s most advanced tank models, the T-90M “Breakthrough,” along with four T-80BVM, and two T-72 tanks.
The 80th Air Assault Brigade, one of several Ukrainian units participating in the Kursk operation, plans to incorporate these captured tanks into their arsenal for future engagements with Russian forces. However, military personnel report that the tanks are in varying states of repair, with some requiring only minor fixes to communication systems while others need major overhauls, Militarnyi reports.
“The T-72s are in poor condition. It’s evident they’ve been in use for a long time. We’re trying to restore them,” brigade members stated. They also noted that the tanks were likely operated by poorly trained crews, facilitating their capture.
One of the T-80BVM tanks was seized during combat near the town of Sudzha. Ukrainian paratroopers discovered the abandoned Russian tank using a drone while conducting additional reconnaissance in the area.
A Ukrainian soldier named Bohdan, who participated in the capture of several T-80BVMs in the early days of fighting in Kursk Oblast, expressed his excitement:
“I’ve always dreamed of capturing a Russian tank. Because as a trophy, a tank is cool.”
https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1824744737267384340/
The T-90M “Breakthrough” was captured during a raid by the 80th Air Assault Brigade behind enemy lines. Ukrainian forces noticed a Russian soldier attempting to start the tank without success. Later investigation revealed that the tank’s batteries were completely discharged, preventing its operation during the battle.
An officer from the 80th Air Assault Brigade reported that after replacing the batteries, it took approximately ten attempts to start the T-90M before they could move it to their own positions.
https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1825246874313379980/
Related:
- Russia’s Kursk authorities form armed volunteer group for security in evacuated areas, amid ongoing looting
- Frontline report: Ukrainian forces encircle Russian troops near Kursk’s Korenevo
- Syrskyi: Ukraine advances 2 km in Kursk Oblast as Pokrovsk remains most challenging sector
- Frontline report: Ukrainian forces conducting twin encirclements in Kursk Oblast, trapping Russian troops
- ISW: Russian forces making significant gains toward Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces entrenching in Kursk Oblast
