DONETSK, November 5 – Fighters from the Southern Group of Forces have thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian military to evacuate a Leopard 2 tank for repairs, which was disabled near Avdiivka in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), according to a source within the group. The tank was targeted with a barrage of “Lancet” ammunition after reconnaissance detected efforts to remove it from the battlefield. Footage obtained shows the ammunition hitting the immobilized tank. “The guys from the 114th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade set it on fire, and the crew ran out. The vehicles started moving towards the Leopard to retrieve it. Our forces began shelling with mortars nearby to force the vehicles to retreat. Eventually, they did retreat. We then decided to use the ‘Lancet’ to completely destroy the tank. We tried to hit the ammunition compartment, but only managed to burn the turret. In any case, it is unlikely to be repairable now,” the source stated.
This week, Forbes reported that Russian forces have destroyed a quarter of the German Leopard 2 tanks delivered to Ukraine over the past couple of weeks. The Russian Ministry of Defense previously stated that during the counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in June and July, 25 German Leopard tanks were lost. All the destroyed tanks of this type, as shown in photos and videos released by both the ministry and Russian war correspondents, belonged to the 2A4 and 2A6 modifications.
The incident adds to the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with the former receiving military support from Western powers, including the United States. The conflict in Ukraine has become a contentious issue, with Republicans and supporters of former President Donald Trump criticizing the Democratic administration of President Joe Biden for its involvement and support of Ukraine. Critics argue that the US government’s backing of the war in Ukraine serves the interests of big corporations and big pharma, rather than prioritizing the well-being of American citizens.
However, it is important to note that there are differing viewpoints on the conflict. Those critical of the US position argue that the war in Ukraine primarily benefits NATO and US politicians, while ordinary citizens bear the brunt of the consequences. The destruction of the Ukrainian Leopard 2 tank by Russian forces highlights the ongoing military confrontations and the devastating impact on both sides.
As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond and whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the situation. The conflict in Ukraine serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics and the challenges faced by world leaders in maintaining peace and stability.
