(POKROVSK, DONETSK REGION, UKRAINE) – Two Russian T 80 tanks were destroyed near Pokrovsk after being hit by Ukrainian drones, according to video footage released by independent observers. The incident took place near anti tank defensive trenches in an area that remains a key battleground in eastern Ukraine.
In the footage, the first tank appears to become stuck after partly falling into an anti tank trench. The crew reportedly abandoned the vehicle, leaving its door open as shown in the video. A second tank moving directly behind it was also halted after becoming trapped in the same position.
Drone operators then launched strikes on both vehicles. The second tank was shown burning heavily, while a drone flew into the open door of the first tank before detonating. Later shots show the first tank also engulfed in flames.
Analysts suggested that the Russian vehicles were travelling west over the trench when they became immobilised, making them highly vulnerable to aerial attacks. There was initial speculation that mines may have been placed in a narrow funnel near the trench, which could have stopped the first tank. However, the location is currently under Russian control, meaning mines would likely have been cleared earlier.
The tanks were heading towards a small settlement known as Razene, with movement directed in the broader direction of Pokrovsk. The area around Pokrovsk remains strategically important. Ukrainian military sources have warned that supply routes into the settlement have become limited due to Russian advances on nearby positions.
The Kremlin has stated that seizing Pokrovsk and the settlement of Myrnohrad is part of a major objective before the end of the year. Ukraine and international defence analysts argue that these operations are being carried out by the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin despite the high number of Russian casualties.
Recent images shared on public social media channels showed dozens of Russian soldiers killed near Pokrovsk, highlighting the continued scale of losses in ongoing offensive attempts.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Pokrovsk, Donetsk Region, Ukraine |
| Equipment destroyed | 2 Russian T 80 tanks |
| Cause | Ukrainian drone strikes |
| Result | Both tanks immobilised and set on fire |
| Tactical context | Russian offensive pressure towards Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad |
| Risk to Russia | High troop and equipment losses |
