Russia's Substantial Tank Losses in Ukraine: A Battle Assessment
The Russian army's tank losses in Ukraine have been immense since the commencement of the conflict. According to data from open-source intelligence website Oryx, the Moscow regime has lost immense numbers of various tank models, consisting of T-62M, T-64A, T-72A, T-72B, T-80B, T-80U, T-90A, and T-90M. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry recently showcased a destroyed, presumably Russian T-72 tank, emphasizing the weakening state of the Russian military forces.
The Perils Faced by Russian Soldiers
A specific and vivid example of these losses includes a Russian T-72B3M tank fitted with an anti-drone jammer being annihilated, its turret blown off and embedding into the ground. The peril for Russian soldiers doesn't stop here. The T-72 tanks, for example, have a turret design where the ammunition carousel is located directly under the commander and the gunner. If hit, this design flaw can lead to devastating explosions making it almost impossible for crew members to survive.
Documented Losses and Strategic Implications
Between February 24, 2022, and June 6, 2024, Russia has lost 16,199 military vehicles, including 3,093 main battle tanks, of which 1,476 were T-72 models. These numbers highlight the substantial toll on Russia’s military resources and have significant strategic implications, delaying and perhaps pivoting military operations in the ongoing conflict. As Putin's propagandists continue to warn of Ukrainian offensives supported by Western weaponry, it is evident that the tangible losses suffered on the battlefield are greater than anticipated.
- Further compounding Russia's challenges, the collapse of the Siberian Force 2 gas pipeline project adds another layer of complexity. Planned to transport 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Siberian fields to China's Xinjiang region, the construction has been fraught with delays. Despite a declared 'limitless friendship' between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, disagreements on terms have stalled the project, affecting Russia’s economic strategy and leaving gaps in its gas export aspirations.
