
A scene of chaos and explosions ensues.”Īccording to him, Russian commanders sent armored columns forward due to the lack of other options against well-fortified Ukrainian positions, with little regard for how costly the approach is. “At that point, Ukrainian artillery opens fire, blowing up more armor and killing soldiers who clamber out of disabled machines. “Blown-up vehicles then act as impediments, slowing or stalling the column,” said Bayak. Read also: Ukraine to see decisive battles in spring, says Ukraine’s spy chief

Vladyslav Bayak said that a column of tanks becomes most vulnerable after the shooting starts, as drivers panic and try to turn around, driving into landmines. The Armed Forces of Ukraine said Russia lost at least 130 tanks and armored personnel carriers in the battle.

Ukrainian drone footage shows hulls of the Russian equipment, blown up by mines, hit by artillery, or destroyed by anti-tank missiles, now strewn across the fields near Vuhledar. Read also: Poland to transfer 60 PT-91 Twardy tanks to Ukraine, says Polish PM
