Ukrainian forces equipped with U.S.-supplied M1A1 Abrams tanks and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles are engaging Russian troops in Russia’s Kursk region, according to reports Tuesday. Elements of Ukraine’s 47th Mechanized Brigade have been conducting counterattacks since early August, with fighting intensifying around the village of Novoivanovka, about 18 kilometers northwest of the Russian border town of Sudzha.
The brigade shared video footage showing an Abrams tank operating alongside an M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. The footage shows the vehicles targeting Russian-held buildings in Novoivanovka, with no visible Russian return fire. The group called the U.S.-provided armor “a formidable duo that destroys the invaders.”
Abrams tank and Bradley IFV are a formidable duo that destroys the invaders.
📹: 47th Mechanized Brigade pic.twitter.com/85l6CsYcA5
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) October 22, 2024
Russian FPV drone pilots fleeing a high-rise building after it was struck by two JDAM-ER precision-guided bombs by Ukrainian Air Force. (starting from 0:39) pic.twitter.com/mD736jD1Hq
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 22, 2024
“American equipment decides on the battlefield. In this case, it’s personnel rotation, fire support, and destruction of enemy infantry stuck in houses,” Ukraine’s 47th said in a post on Telegram on Monday.
The operation follows a surprise offensive launched by Ukraine on Aug. 6, allowing Kyiv’s forces to hold about 800 square kilometers of Russian territory, despite repeated Russian counterattacks. Russian President Vladimir Putin had set a deadline to remove Ukrainian forces by the end of September, but Ukrainian units continue to hold their positions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has defended the Kursk operation, saying maintaining a foothold on Russian soil is critical to preventing further attacks on Ukrainian border regions and gaining leverage in future negotiations. Zelensky also said these operations help facilitate prisoner exchanges with Russia.
The U.S. has provided Ukraine with more than 300 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and 31 Abrams tanks. While Bradleys have been praised for their mobility and protection, the Abrams tanks have received mixed reviews due to their heavy weight and high maintenance requirements. However, these systems have been crucial in Ukraine’s operations against Russian forces. In addition to U.S. support, Australia has pledged 49 M1 tanks to Ukraine, further bolstering Kyiv’s armored capabilities, though a delivery date has not yet been set.
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