Video captures Ukrainian tanks destroy Russian APC at point-blank range in Kursk Oblast

Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov shared a video captured by a drone, showing a close-quarters engagement with Russian forces in Kursk Oblast. The incident shows two tanks from the Ukrainian army’s 17th Tank Brigade destroying a Russian armored personnel carrier (APC) at an extremely close range of approximately 15 meters. The episode was recorded by a reconnaissance drone adjusting the fire of the Ukrainian tanks.

This skirmish is part of the ongoing Ukrainian incursion of Kursk, now in its 10th week, with Russian forces launching counterattacks along the western edge of the Ukrainian-held salient. The fluidity of the front has led to chaotic situations where Russian and Ukrainian troops find themselves intermingled.

Forbes notes the engagement began when a Russian BTR-82A APC was observed speeding across a field towards two Ukrainian tanks, identified as either T-64s or T-72s, positioned along a treeline. The motive behind the Russian vehicle’s approach remains unclear, with speculation ranging from misidentification of the tanks to a belief that the Ukrainian vehicles were immobilized.

Mark Hertling, a retired US Army general, described the encounter as the “closest tank engagement I’ve ever seen,” highlighting the unusual nature of the incident.

Militarnyi notes that the lead Ukrainian tank fired a direct hit on the approaching APC with a 125-millimeter shell, causing significant damage. Surprisingly, several Russian soldiers managed to survive the initial impact and were seen fleeing the destroyed vehicle. One survivor ran past the Ukrainian tank’s turret, while two others initially took cover behind the wreckage before fleeing in the opposite direction.

The second Ukrainian tank then fired another 125-millimeter round at the already-destroyed APC.

The incident also highlights a recurring issue where Russian troops sometimes leave their positions in disorientation and move toward Ukrainian forces. Additionally, there are reports of poor coordination among Russian units, with engineering teams failing to communicate the establishment of defense lines and anti-tank structures to other forces.

Forbes suggests that the Russians may have believed the tanks were immobilized and abandoned, as smoke rising from the engine compartment of the lead Ukrainian tank indicated possible damage.

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