This is drone footage of a single Russian tank engaging a column of Ukrainian armor somewhere near Robytne. I will begin this one with a few disclaimers. First, this video is pretty chaotic with a lot going on. This has already been posted several places and some of the translations are not entirely reliable, and there are a lot of opinions posted about what is happening. This video has English subtitles but I can not vouch for their accuracy. I will explain what I can see and differentiate observed facts from assumptions or opinions.

This Russian-perspective video begins with a Russian tank advancing rapidly along a road to intercept Ukrainian vehicles. The translation is difficult to follow, but he is warned of approaching enemy, first of six armored vehicles, two of which are tanks, and then the number of total vehicles is increased to eight. The Russian tank approaches a stand of trees; to the right and below is a Ukrainian vehicle (possibly an MRAP) that appears disabled (this is my assumption as the vehicle does not move throughout the engagement. The Ukrainian vehicles approach in column, though there are open fields to either side of the road. Perhaps mines were present, or speed was a consideration.

The Ukrainian vehicles approach in column from the right of the screen, what appears to be two tanks and several MRAPs. The UA vehicles slow as they approach the copse of trees, and it is unclear whether they have drone support or have identified the Russian tank beyond the trees. The Russian tank fires first, engaging the stationary (perhaps disabled) MRAP with main gun. The lead Ukrainian tank then fires into the trees, although it is again unclear whether he sees the Russian tank on the other side. The Russian tank again fires at the disabled MRAP which begins to burn.

At this point the Ukrainian vehicles begin to bunch up and lose dispersion. A Russian voice on the radio refers to an AGS, and I think one can be heard but it is unclear where it is located and one cannot see exactly what, if anything, is its target. An explosion erupts from the ground near one of the lead Ukrainian vehicles – one of the Russian observers seems to think it is the result of AGS fire, while the other claims it came from the ground. Perhaps more can be learned from a better translation but my theory is that a vehicle struck a mine. The drone zooms in on the Ukrainian vehicles, and two of the MRAPs stop near the two tanks, both of which appear to still be mobile.

The Russian tank has backed away from the copse of trees, apparently deploying smoke, and it stops in another stand of trees. Again, the translation is suspect but the observers appear to be telling the tank commander to withdraw, but he returns to the fight. Before the Russian tank can return to the copse, another Ukrainian vehicle is engulfed by an explosion – again, I suspect a mine. The Russian tank fires again, this time into the trees, perhaps seeing a target beyond. If there are Russian infantry in the trees, they are having a really lousy day. The Ukrainian vehicles gather in a tighter cluster on the far side of the trees, and there is another explosion (mine). The Russian tank fires again, shifting back to the disabled MRAP, and the round impacts in the dirt beyond the disabled vehicle. Another MRAP approached from behind the cluster of Ukrainian vehicles, and yet another explosion occurs (again, my guess is mine). As the drone zooms out there seems to be a fifth explosion, either from a mine or IDF.

The Russian tank fires into the trees again, in the direction of the disabled MRAP, and yet another explosion from the cluster of Ukrainian vehicles. The Russian tank finally backs away from the engagement, and as it runs for cover in the second stand of trees, IDF lands nearby – Russian or Ukrainian is unknown. The translation becomes even more confused at this point, though it may confirm that Ukrainian vehicles struck mines. There is little visible activity from the Ukrainian vehicles on the far side of the trees, and the Russian vehicle returns to the copse just as the video ends.

What must first be acknowledged is the bravery of the Russian tank crew. This has been a popular theme in Russian and pro-Russian social media channels. However, if the audio is legitimate and they were informed of the force that they faced, then the courage of the tank commander and his crew is undeniable. As for the Ukrainian element, I am in no rush to judge their actions harshly. I do not know if they did or did not benefit from drone reconnaissance, or if they advanced in column because of the threat of mines, or if time was a priority and there was a sense of urgency to seize those trees. Mines have been a significant challenge for Ukrainian armor, and if my estimate is correct then they experienced some significant friction and had a very bad day. Sometimes combat does not go your way.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through sailing.