Russian propaganda mishap: Prized T‑90M tanks self-targeted
Russian propaganda has made yet another blunder. They disseminated a video purportedly showing the destruction of two Ukrainian tanks. In reality, the footage depicted Russian tanks. Moreover, these were their most prized T-90Ms.
The incident reported by the Russians occurred in the Donetsk region, in the Pokrovsk direction. However, that's the only aspect that aligns with their account shared on social media.
Russians did not recognise their T-90Ms
The Russians released the video intending to highlight the alleged incompetence of Ukrainian crews, as both tanks were destroyed after hitting mines. A detailed analysis of the video by war observers in Ukraine, along with information and photos shared by the Ukrainian army about the skirmishes in the Pokrovsk region, clearly indicates that the Russians lost two T-90M tanks there (specifically near the city of Selydove).
In July this year, it was confirmed that the number of T-90M tanks lost by the Russians in Ukraine had surpassed 100. According to the creators of the Oryx blog, who monitor and document Russian losses, the current count is now at 120 such machines that Ukrainians have neutralised. This includes tanks destroyed, damaged, or seized.
In total, since the war began, the Ukrainians have eliminated over 3,500 invading tanks. The losses involving the T-90M are particularly significant because it's the finest and most valuable tank currently possessed by Putin's army. The price of a single T-90M unit is estimated at around £3.7 million.
The T-90M is not without flaws
The T-90M is the latest tank in the T-90 family, introduced into service only in 2020. It is equipped with a 125 mm 2A46M-5 cannon and an enhanced fire control system. It includes factory-installed modular reactive armour, Relikt, which protects the hull and turret. Additionally, it is armed with two machine guns - calibres 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm. The machine is powered by a 1,000 hp engine.
Since the war began, the Ukrainians have gained more knowledge about the T-90M. The captured units allowed them to conduct thorough inspections and analyses. From this, they described the T-90M as a "failure instead of a breakthrough." This contrasts with the image promoted by the Kremlin (Putin himself claimed it was the best tank in the world), although it remains significantly better than older, Soviet-era designs used by Russians in Ukraine.
