The Ukrainian-held mining town of Vuhledar has been a target for Russian forces in their bloody winter offensive. Fighting has raged in the eastern Ukrainian town and its neighboring villages, as Russia has made several failed attempts to capture it. Ukraine’s unexpected use of mines appears to be helping give it the upper hand in fighting in eastern Ukraine.
#Ukraine: The Ukrainian 72nd Brigade destroyed a Russian T-72B3 tank with KMT-6 mine plough in Mykilske near Vuhledar, #Donetsk Oblast.
Several other destroyed/damaged vehicles (Including a T-80BV and two BMP IFV) can be seen also. pic.twitter.com/qwAh0Y2Lpm
— 🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) March 5, 2023
Along with traditional Soviet mines, Ukraine has also been using US-supplied remote anti-armor mines. This weapon works by firing a shell over an open area that scatters tiny mines widely.
Ukraine’s military has claimed that Russia lost at least 130 tanks and armored personnel carriers in a three-week battle in Vuhledar. Ukraine officials have described this as the biggest tank battle of the war, so far.
The use of mines by Ukrainian forces highlights their innovative approach to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Last year Russian forces invaded Ukraine. And an estimated 13,000 people have died, as a result. Millions of people have been displaced.
