Yurii Butusov, a Ukrainian journalist, shared a drone-captured video showing a close-quarters battle with Russian forces in the Kursk Oblast. The video shows two tanks of the 17th Tank Brigade of the Ukrainian Army destroying an armored personnel vehicle (APC) from a distance of only 15 meters. The episode was captured by a reconnaissance drone that was adjusting the fire of Ukrainian tanks.
This skirmish forms part of the ongoing Ukrainian incursion into Kursk. Now in its 10th weeks, Russian forces have launched counterattacks on the western edge of Ukrainian-held salient. The fluidity of this front has created chaotic situations in which Russian and Ukrainian forces are mixed together.
Forbes reports that the engagement began as a Russian BTR-82A was seen speeding across a field toward two Ukrainian tanks, identified either as T-64s of T-72s, located along a treeline. The motive for the Russian vehicle’s approach is unclear. Theories range from misidentification to the belief that the Ukrainian vehicles had been immobilized.
Mark Hertling – a retired US Army General – described the encounter as “the closest tank engagement I’ve seen,” underlining the unusual nature.
Militarnyi reports that the leading Ukrainian tank fired directly on the APC approaching with a 125 millimeter shell causing significant damages. Surprisingly several Russian soldiers survived the initial impact, and were seen fleeing from the destroyed vehicle. One survivor ran through the Ukrainian tank’s turret while two others took cover behind the wreckage and fled in the opposite direction.
The second Ukrainian tank fired another 125 millimeter round on the already destroyed APC.
The incident also highlights an issue that occurs often, where Russian troops leave their positions and move towards Ukrainian forces in a state of disorientation. There are also reports of poor coordination between Russian units. Engineering teams failed to communicate the establishments of defense lines and antitank structures to other troops.
Forbes suggests that Russians may well have believed that the tanks were abandoned and immobilized, as smoke rising out of the engine compartment on the lead Ukrainian tank indicated potential damage.
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