Ukrainian Leopard 2 attacks two Russian T-72 tanks, they flee
It has become apparent that a video has surfaced on the web, which purportedly displays, in what is a first, the German Leopard 2, a principal battle tank, participating in active warfare within Ukrainian territories. Evidence suggests that this visual record, which depicts the retreat of a Russian T-72 main battle tank, originates from the early part of June.
Assertions regarding the footage indicate its capture at the onset of the Ukrainian counteroffensive enacted against the invading Russian forces. The German Leopard, as portrayed in the video, can be seen directing fire at a pair of Russian T-72 primary battle tanks until the point of their ultimate withdrawal. It must be noted though, that independent verification of both the date and sequence of occurrences recorded in the footage remains unattainable.
For several days now, a particular video has been proliferating at a rapid pace on the communication platform, Telegram. The visuals elucidated in the video reveal that, in this specific circumstance, it is highly probable that the Leopard was accompanied by a Bradley armored personnel carrier. It is well established that these formidable machinery pieces are supplied by the United States to Ukraine.
Ammunition
The juxtaposition of the two tanks ostensibly indicates a vigilant stance from the battle group. It can be posited, however, that they were likely bracing for an incoming Russian infantry, not anticipating an armored threat. This analytic supposition comes from the chief correspondent of the Berliner Morgenpost, a seasoned reporter who regularly critiques the Ukraine conflict. The correspondent goes on to surmise that warfare rarely holds witness to a battle strictly between sophisticated tanks. The Leopard 2’s perceptibly fragile position further insinuates the sudden and unexpected emergence of the Russian T-72s.
The burst’s vibrancy and the explosive’s unique configuration upon the Leopard’s shell’s contact infer the use of incendiary ammunition, as a host of military bloggers have dissected on various social media forums. These pyrotechnic-laded projectiles cause havoc by dispersing shrapnel upon detonation, rather than piercing armor. Based on this underlying inference, it can be deduced that the tank crew hastily loaded the foremost ammunition within their grasp.
The winner
Despite enduring considerable damage, the T-72 tanks remained viable for traversal, as gleaned from the observational data. Evidenced by the visual recording, the Russian machinery is documented orchestrating a retreat in response to the onslaught launched by the formidable Leopard tank. In this particular military encounter, it appears that the German armory, represented by the Leopard, claims a definitive victory, emerging unscathed and triumphant from the battlefield.
Leopard 2 and T-72’s main differences
A significant difference between the Leopard 2 and the T-72 is their armor protection. The Leopard 2 features advanced composite armor, which combines layers of steel, ceramics, and other materials to provide excellent protection against various types of threats.
On the other hand, the T-72 primarily relies on conventional steel armor, which is generally less effective against modern anti-tank weapons. This difference in armor composition gives the Leopard 2 an advantage in terms of survivability on the battlefield.
The Leopard 2 and the T-72 also differ in terms of firepower. The Leopard 2 is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun, which is highly accurate and capable of firing a wide range of ammunition types, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot [APFSDS] rounds.
In comparison, the T-72 typically features a 125mm smoothbore gun, which is also powerful but may have slightly lower accuracy and ammunition compatibility compared to the Leopard 2.
Other characteristics
Furthermore, the Leopard 2 and the T-72 have different mobility characteristics. The Leopard 2 is known for its exceptional mobility, thanks to its powerful engine, advanced suspension system, and optimized weight distribution. It can achieve high speeds on various terrains and has excellent maneuverability. In contrast, the T-72 has a slightly lower top speed and may not have the same level of agility as the Leopard 2.
Lastly, the Leopard 2 and the T-72 have distinct operational capabilities. The Leopard 2 is designed for modern warfare scenarios and incorporates advanced technologies such as thermal sights, fire control systems, and digital communication systems. It offers enhanced situational awareness and coordination capabilities for the crew.
The T-72, although it has undergone upgrades over the years, may not have the same level of advanced technology integration as the Leopard 2.
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
On the 21st of February, 2022, allegations emerged from Russia, asserting that a border facility under the jurisdiction of their Federal Security Service [FSB] had been decimated due to an aggressive shelling operation purportedly executed by Ukrainian forces. According to the Russian authorities, this unexpected and violent incursion resulted in the unfortunate demise of five Ukrainian combatants.
Ukraine, however, vehemently repudiated involvement in both occurrences, categorizing them as nothing more than deceptive maneuvers, or ‘false flags’.
In a significant development on the very day, the Russian government extended formal recognition to the self-proclaimed entities of DPR and LPR. This recognition, as per Putin, was not confined merely to the territories under their de-facto control, but encompassed the entire Ukrainian Oblasts. In an ensuing move, Putin commanded the mobilization of Russian military forces, inclusive of tanks, into the said regions.
Aggressive invasion
In a significant geopolitical development on the 24th of February, 2022, President Vladimir Putin of Russia commanded an aggressive military invasion into Ukraine. This act of aggression was executed by Russia’s formidable Armed Forces, which had been strategically amassed along the Ukrainian border in a show of ominous intent.
This invasion was not a random act of violence, but a meticulously planned operation, characterized by precise airstrikes that targeted key military infrastructures within the Ukrainian territory. Concurrently, an armored division of tanks rolled in from the Belarusian frontier, further intensifying the scale and impact of the offensive.
The Russian administration thus far has refrained from acknowledging the ongoing incursion into Ukraine as a “war”. This, despite the fact that the unfolding events bear all the hallmarks of a military conflict. Instead, the Kremlin insists on terming it a “special military operation”.
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