Russian tank disaster highlights broader military unpreparedness
During the war in Ukraine, we are witnessing bizarre behaviours by Russians on the front lines. One of these incidents has been documented online. The Russians underestimated the danger. The footage shows that, at some point, a tank drove over a mine and burst into flames.
Many Russian soldiers are unprepared for the war with Ukraine. This is the fault of the entire system in Russia, as many conscripts are sent to the front without proper training and adequate equipment.
Russian propaganda also played a role, which from the beginning of the war only talked about a "special military operation" or fighting so-called Nazis. Possibly, this is the reason behind the irrational behaviour of Russian soldiers. No one tells them what awaits in Ukraine.
It's no wonder that at times, we are witnessing bizarre behaviours by Russians on the front lines. One of these incidents has been documented online.
A Russian tank was driving across a cleared field. In such cases, one should always maintain safety. For this purpose, a tape was even laid down to ensure no one gets close to that direction.
The Russian underestimated the danger. The footage shows that at some point, a tank drove over a mine and burst into flames.
Minefields play a significant role during the war in Ukraine – mines inflict serious losses on both sides of the conflict, and sometimes completely prevent effective offensives.
A few thousand tanks in Russian warehouses
Shortages in the Russian Federation's arsenal are evident in many bases. Dr Michael Gjerstad, an International Institute for Strategic Studies analyst, confirms this. The military expert estimates that Russians "still have about 3,500 tanks in storage." However, the condition of the machines remaining in storage is crucial.
The vast majority of them are in poor technical condition and require significant repairs - says Gjerstad.
According to the Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces, Russians have lost over 8,000 tanks since the beginning of the war. This is also noted by Gustav Gressel from the European Council on Foreign Relations, who emphasises that "Russians are losing significantly more equipment than they can replace, and stocks are running out."
