Why so many Russian tanks fall prey to Ukrainian mines
With the right help, tanks should be able to cross minefields
RUSSIA’S FAILED attempt in January and February to capture Vuhledar, a town in eastern Ukraine, has been described by some observers as a tank battle. That is not quite accurate. Videos of the offensive indicate that it was more a matter of Russian tanks against Ukrainian anti-tank weapons—in particular mines. The mines came off best. According to the Moscow Times, a newspaper based in Amsterdam, the Kremlin has dismissed General Rustam Muradov, the commander responsible for the assault. Similar actions have been seen elsewhere: so why do the Russians keep sending their tanks into minefields?
This article appeared in the The Economist explains section of the print edition under the headline “Why so many Russian tanks fall prey to Ukrainian mines”
From the April 15th 2023 edition
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