Ukrainian forces reclaim submerged Russian BMP‑2 in daring raid
Ukrainian soldiers from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade have conducted a special operation in which they successfully recovered a Russian BMP-2 that had been submerged at the bottom of a lake for the past two years. According to the Operational-Strategic Grouping of Forces "Chortytsia" and other sources, this represents a significant achievement for the Ukrainians, yet it also underscores the challenges facing their army.
The official Telegram channel of the Operational-Strategic Grouping of Forces, "Chortytsia", described the operation as brilliantly executed and heroic. However, it also pointed out that soldiers might not have had to risk their health and lives with more modern equipment to secure such a prize.
Ukrainians retrieved a Russian BMP-2 from the water
Information disclosed indicates that the Russian BMP-2 was extracted "right from under the occupiers' noses," as they had "abandoned it fully loaded with ammunition." The operation was executed on the northern outskirts of the village of Torske in the Donetsk region, nearly at the front line.
The Ukrainian soldiers from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade reported that the operation became feasible only after the receding water partially revealed the Russian BMP-2. The success resulted from meticulous preparation and favourable weather conditions—fog and falling sleet impaired the Russians' visibility and ability to launch potential attacks.
An additional infantry fighting vehicle for the Ukrainians
Initial inspections confirmed the Ukrainians' suspicions. The recovered BMP-2 showed no signs of mechanical damage and is thus slated for repairs to address any necessary refurbishments after submerging. It will then return to combat as part of the Ukrainian arsenal.
The BMP-2s, approximately 40 years old, are primarily used for transporting motorised infantry and supporting tanks. They are familiar to both Russians and Ukrainians. Inside, there is space for eight soldiers plus three crew members. They are armed with a 30 mm 2A42 cannon, a 7.62 mm machine gun, and a 9K113 Konkurs anti-tank guided missile launcher.
Due to losses in Ukraine and issues with their industry, the Russians have announced a planned resumption of BMP-2 production.
