Putin’s army ‘incinerates one of the most capable tanks: Reports have emerged of Russia destroying what is described as ‘one of the most capable tanks in the world’ deployed by Ukraine.
Footage circulating on pro-war Telegram channels depicts the burning armored vehicle near the frontline city of Avdiivka, situated in the Donetsk region. Military bloggers have claimed that the destroyed tank is one of the 31 M1 Abrams tanks sent to Ukraine by Joe Biden in 2022.
Ukraine’s military is yet to comment on the claims, but if confirmed, it will be the first such a vehicle destroyed since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Russian news outlet Mash reported: ‘The first one went. The famous American M1 Abrams was shot down in the Avdiivka direction.’
Before this, the movement of the tank was reportedly noticed in Berdychi, around a mile from Russian positions in the Donetsk region.
It was a year ago when Russian actor Ivan Okhlobystin made headlines by pledging to donate £86,000 for the destruction of a Western tank.
Taking to social media, the outspoken figure announced that “representatives of a large Russian business” had authorized him to disclose a bonus of 10 million roubles for each Abrams tank destroyed, though he didn’t specify the particular business involved.
Putin’s army ‘incinerates one of the most capable tanks: According to reports from the news outlet Moskovsky Komsomolets, the first Abrams tank near Avdiivka was set ablaze by the Black Hussars of the Brave group.
Members of the 15th brigade allegedly targeted the tank with a kamikaze drone and then finished it off with a grenade launcher. A video showing the vehicle engulfed in flames was shared on Solovyov Live Telegram channel, known for its ties to the Kremlin.
The incident occurred as Russian forces captured the Ukrainian village of Lastochkyne, situated approximately five kilometers northwest of Avdiivka, as confirmed by the Russian Defence Ministry on Monday. Earlier in the day, Ukraine’s military announced its retreat from the eastern village, citing strategic reasons aimed at better containing the westward advance of Russian troops.