A Ukrainian kamikaze drone obliterated a Russian tank, delivering a significant blow to Putin’s military. The tank exploded in a fiery eruption, scattering debris across the battlefield in the war-ravaged Donetsk region.
Captured in dramatic footage, the video shows the moment a stationary Russian tank is hit by a Ukrainian kamikaze drone, resulting in a massive explosion. The drone’s impact triggered a spectacular mushroom cloud, sending pieces of the tank flying in all directions.
The video, shot in a field in Donetsk, illustrates the effectiveness of Ukraine‘s bomb-laden drones. The FPV munition drone is seen descending onto the tank, followed by an immediate and devastating blast. The resulting explosion engulfs the tank in bright orange flames, with shrapnel dispersing into the sky.
A thick plume of smoke rises from the wreckage, and the thunderous boom of the explosion reverberates for miles. According to the original social media post that shared the video, the drone’s direct hit on the tank’s turret caused an “immediate catastrophic ammunition detonation.”
This incident is part of a broader trend, with more footage showcasing Ukraine‘s relentless use of kamikaze drones to destroy Russian military equipment. These drones have turned Russian tanks, often referred to as “Franken-tanks,” into smouldering wrecks of debris and melted metal.
As the conflict intensifies, reports indicate that Putin’s forces are resorting to assembling “Frankenstein tanks” by attaching old naval guns to outdated battle vehicles. Images have surfaced showing a Soviet-era MT-LB amphibious vehicle outfitted with a 25mm 2M-3 twin-barrelled naval anti-aircraft turret, likely salvaged from a patrol boat and dating back to the mid-20th century.
These makeshift tanks highlight the severe material shortages faced by the Kremlin. Since the onset of the invasion, Putin has reportedly lost nearly 8,000 tanks, a figure provided by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Additionally, the total number of Russian troops killed has surpassed 500,000, with Ukrainian forces claiming to have eliminated 512,420 Russian soldiers and destroyed 15,020 armoured combat vehicles and 13,345 artillery pieces.
Despite these losses, Ukraine is also experiencing shortages in troops, ammunition, and air defences. The Kremlin continues its efforts to cripple Ukraine‘s power infrastructure and break through the eastern front lines. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties on both sides, including over 11,000 Ukrainian civilians, according to the United Nations.
As the battle rages on, Ukraine looks to Western allies for support, while Putin seeks assistance from nations like Iran and North Korea.