Ukrainian troops have captured a Russian “turtle tank” and its crew in the Klishchiivka area, marking the first documented seizure of this uniquely armored vehicle. The incident was recorded on video and shared on Telegram on June 17, quickly spreading across social media platforms, including X.
According to reports, the capture was executed by the 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The unit used drones to detect the tank near the village of Klishchiivka. The tank was immobilized by brigade artillery, allowing infantrymen to capture the vehicle and its crew. During the capture, one of the Russian crew members attempted to detonate a grenade inside the tank but was persuaded by Ukrainian soldiers to surrender.
The “turtle tank” is distinguished by its large, metal superstructure resembling a turtle shell, designed to protect against drone strikes and shrapnel. However, this structure offers limited protection against heavier weaponry and anti-tank rounds. The tank’s unique armor restricts its main gun’s effectiveness and hinders its mobility and visibility, making it vulnerable in combat situations.
😜Guessing all that protection didn’t help them….
Ukrainian soldiers rounding up the crew of a captured “turtle tank”pic.twitter.com/1fDuNiZRVt— Claretta Nijhuis (@NijhuisClaretta) June 17, 2024
The captured footage shows Ukrainian soldiers climbing into the tank’s superstructure and apprehending two Russian soldiers inside. The tank, now displaying the Ukrainian flag, was driven to Ukrainian positions. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense shared images of soldiers posing with the captured tank, celebrating the successful operation.
The capture of the “turtle tank” has sparked widespread attention and amusement on pro-Ukrainian social media, with some users mockingly suggesting it be sent to NATO for research. The term “turtle tank” originated from the Russian practice of adding crude metal structures to tanks to shield them from attacks, a tactic also adopted by Ukraine.
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