Russian Volunteer Corps turns Kremlin's weapon against it
Soldiers from the Russian Volunteer Corps made themselves known again. They repelled an offensive by Putin's army units in the Kharkiv region, bringing into combat, among other things, a captured BTR-82A armored personnel carrier. We explain what kind of weapon this is.
The Russian Volunteer Corps is one of the paramilitary formations established shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It mainly consists of Russians opposing the Kremlin and supporting Ukraine in its fight for independence. On May 13, they stood side by side with the army of defenders against the invaders' assault, having, among other things, a BTR-82A at their disposal.
BTR-82A. What kind of weapon is it?
The BTR-82 is a Russian-wheeled armored personnel carrier designed by the Arzamas Machinery Plant. It entered service in 2011, making it one of the newer vehicles in Putin's army. This applies especially to the BTR-82A, the latest, most well-equipped variant. Compared to the base versions, it has been equipped with, among other features, an armored hull that protects against mines and other explosive devices, anti-shrapnel lining inside, and a new, unmanned turret.
The BTR-82A crew can attack using a 2A72 30 mm cannon and supporting weaponry as a 7.62 mm caliber machine gun. Thanks to the manufacturer's use of a day-night sight, the BTR-82A allows effective firing even after dark. The 8x8 wheel traction and powerful engine allow this armored personnel carrier to speed up to about 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph).
Interestingly, the BTR-82A visible in the videos published on social media is a unit taken from Putin's army units in May 2023.
"We thank the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation for handing over the BTR-82A on May 22, 2023. Now it has returned home!" ironically wrote the soldiers of the Russian Volunteer Corps on Telegram.
This is not the first time that one of the Russian paramilitary units has attacked the country's regular army. Several operations have already had a wide impact, such as attacks on positions in the Belgorod and Kursk regions, during which ex-Polish PT‑91 Twardy tanks were used, among other things.
