Footage from Syn'kivka, Kharkiv Oblast, of a Ukrainian T-72 pounding Russian positions in a tree line. The tank crew’s approach is not very dynamic – they sit in the road and fire multiple times at a position in the trees. There is something there that they really dislike, or they will be punished for bringing home ammunition. At one point, something to the left of the tank near the edge of the trees explodes dramatically, but the source of the explosion in unclear. The tank repositions and continues to pound away at targets, advancing slightly to gain a better firing position. Whatever lurks in the trees lacks either the ability or the will to return fire, and the T-72 continues its task unmolested. While Ukraine possessed some T-72 variants prior to the Russian invasion in 2022, it mostly relied on domestically produced T-64B or BM, T-80UD, and T-84 variants. However, numerous T-72s were captured from the Russian Army and pressed into service.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing just completed its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.