Footage from Avdiivka Drone Video Reveals Ukrainian M2 Bradleys Successfully Neutralizing Russian T-90 Tank

 Dramatic battleground footage purportedly shows a confrontation between Ukrainian troops in a U.S.-supplied M2 Bradley infantry vehicle (IFV) and an advanced Russian T-90M main battle tank.

The drone footage has gone viral of the close-range confrontation between Ukraine's 47th Mechanized Brigade and the Russian tank near Stepove north of Avdiivka. This is in the Donetsk oblast where Russia launched an offensive in October.

The Biden administration announced a military package for Ukraine in 2023, which included the deployment of Bradley armored vehicles. Manufactured by BAE Systems, these vehicles are equipped with a formidable 25 mm cannon, known for their exceptional survivability, mobility, and lethality.

According to the Telegram channel War Archive, the incident occurred on Thursday. As of Saturday morning, the video capturing the incident had garnered 780,000 views, although its authenticity has not been independently verified. Newsweek reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday to obtain their comments on the matter.

The T-90M also referred to as the Proryv-3, has been hailed by Russian media as the epitome of advanced armored vehicles among its tank counterparts. With its superior engine, upgraded turret, and improved survivability compared to the T-72 tanks utilized by both factions, it undoubtedly stands out. In a video shared by the pro-Ukrainian X, previously known as the Twitter account Special Kherson Cat, the footage has been accelerated, showcasing the Bradley in the forefront as it maneuvers through a village, engaging in both offensive and defensive actions against the Russian tank.

The post mentioned that after the video, it was evident that the tank had likely sustained considerable damage, resulting in the crew's inability to control the rotation of the turret.

According to the Ukrainian commander, known as Kach, Bradleys have been playing a crucial role in the success of Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. He stated that Russian soldiers are hesitant to engage in operations if they know they will be facing a Bradley.

In an interview with Reuters, Ukraine's Ground Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi emphasized the need for additional attack aircraft, including jets to support infantry and planes equipped with long-range missile capabilities. He also highlighted the potential impact that U.S.-made A-10 fighter jets and attack helicopters like the Apache could have.

On Friday, there were multiple reports of a significant attack carried out by Russia in various regions of Ukraine. Local authorities and the Ukrainian Air Force have reported explosions in Chernihiv Oblast, as well as missiles being intercepted in the Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. However, these reports have not yet been verified by Newsweek. It is important to note that Ukraine has been urging its allies, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, to provide advanced aircraft such as F-16s. While these aircraft have been agreed upon by the mentioned countries, they have not yet arrived.

In the meantime, the U.S.-based independent think tank Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian troops had achieved limited progress in the northeastern part of Bakhmut in the Donetsk oblast, as well as in the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.