Russia’s Shocking ‘Suicide Tank’ in Ongoing Battle: What You Need to Know

Fierce Battles Yield Heavy Losses
Ukrainian Damage Catastrophic?
Russia’s Suicide Tank Tactics

Intense battles continue between the well-fortified Russian and Ukrainian forces trying to break through. Both sides, previously complaining of weapon shortages, have reportedly suffered significant military losses as the situation worsens.

In response, propaganda emphasizing combat achievements is incessantly emerging. Russia, claiming that Ukraine’s military losses have reached catastrophic levels, unveiled a new tactic they are testing on the battlefield. The accompanying footage captures the scene of a massive shockwave co-occurring with an explosion.

Tank Filled with Explosives
Powerful Shockwave Emitted

A recently published video on Telegram by a pro-Russian military blogger captures the image of an aged tank traversing open terrain, engulfed in flames after a formidable explosion. This so-called “suicide tank” tactic is Russia’s new attempt to destroy Ukrainian fortifications.

The Russian Ministry of Defense previously announced, “We used a remotely controlled tank, packed with an immense quantity of explosives, to demolish a Ukrainian stronghold.” They provided further details, stating that they had loaded approximately 3.5 tons (7,716 lbs) of TNT and incorporated five FAB-100 bombs into the vehicle for this mission. The precise extent of the damage inflicted on the Ukrainian forces remains unclear, and there have been reports indicating the use of Soviet-era tanks such as the T-54/55 in the operation.

Utilizing Abundant Old Tanks

Reports of the Russian forces moving old Soviet tanks from some military facilities to the front lines have been circulating since last year. Military experts have been closely monitoring the potential applications of these tactics, and the revealed suicide tank strategy has been met with some astonishment. The Russian forces execute the operation by directing the vehicle towards Ukrainian lines and jumping out of the tank.

This tactic is similar to the suicide car bombings carried out by the Islamic extremist armed group IS. Criticism has poured in, pointing out that Russia, once hailed as a military superpower, is now imitating IS tactics. Additionally, the fact that Russia had to develop a new ground tactic suggests that Ukraine’s air defense capabilities are formidable, according to some analysts.