(KYIV) – Ukrainian drone operators have destroyed three Russian tanks in separate engagements across the eastern front, including one T-90M and two T-72 main battle tanks.
Footage released on the 7th September by the Suchomimus channel, which monitors open source imagery from the conflict, shows the destruction of the three vehicles in different locations.
The first engagement occurred in the Kupiansk sector of Kharkiv Oblast. A T-72 was observed moving north along an overgrown road towards the settlement of Horobivka when it was struck by a drone. The initial strike caused significant damage but the tank continued moving.
A second drone then struck the vehicle from behind, bringing it to a halt. Subsequent footage showed the tank stationary with its right side blown open and a fire burning inside. The crew is believed to have abandoned the vehicle after the second strike. The T-72 was later seen belching smoke from a fire that likely consumed the vehicle.
The area has been the scene of recent Ukrainian counterattacks that have retaken lost territory and pushed to isolate the partially occupied settlement of Zapadne. The tank was operating alone, which is unusual for a mechanised assault, suggesting Russian forces are struggling to assemble sufficient armour for larger operations.
The second engagement took place in the Lyman sector of Donetsk Oblast near the settlement of Ivanivka. A T-72 was hidden in woodland, but its crew was observed clustered around the vehicle before the strike. The tank was already smoking from a prior hit when it was struck again on the rear, setting it alight. A third drone strike finished the vehicle off, leaving it burning heavily.
The front line in this area has remained largely static since the 1st January, according to the Deep State map service.
The third target was a T-90M, Russia’s most advanced main battle tank in service. No video footage was released, but photographs show the vehicle before and after it was struck by drones. The tank is assessed as destroyed. No location was provided for this engagement.
According to the War Spotting database, 159 T-90M tanks have been destroyed since the start of the full scale invasion. The T-90M remains under production in Russia, making it difficult to assess current stockpiles.
The losses among older T-72 variants are significantly higher. Over 1,700 T-72 tanks have been destroyed, according to War Spotting. Russia had approximately 1,500 T-72s in active service at the start of the war, with an unknown but reportedly substantial number in storage.
Footage of the tank destructions was published by the Suchomimus channel.
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