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Ukraine - Russia Invasion conflict
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On February 26, 2024, Russian soldiers from the 15th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade managed to destroy a US-supplied M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank in Ukraine for the first time. The tank, operated by the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, was targeted by a Lancet kamikaze drone and an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) near Berdychi, a village close to Avdiivka and Stepove.
As reported by OSINTtechnical on February 18, 2024, Russia deployed a T-55, initially adopted into service in 1958, to attack Ukrainian positions around Robotyne. However, upon closer analysis, this T-55, distinguished by a cage but lacking ERA, was likely an older T-54, adopted in 1946, as indicated by the absence of a smoke extractor at the gun's end and the likely presence of a wind cover on the turret.
On February 27, 2024, the NASAMS air defense system was reportedly destroyed by the Russian military in Ukraine, as images circulating on social media show a launcher of the system destroyed following a Russian attack.
Ukrainian special services launched a drone attack against the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant (NLMK), the largest steel plant in Russia, during the night of February 23-24, 2024. According to reports from Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne, the operation was jointly orchestrated by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and the Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR). The strike aimed at the facility located in Lipetsk, Russia, is expected to halt its production capabilities for an extended period.
According to information published on February 24, 2024, by "Pravda" a Ukrainian newspaper, the Ukrainian armed forces shot down on February 23, 2024, one A-50U Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, crucial for the Russian forces deployed in Ukraine. It was intercepted by an old S-200 air defense missile system, NATO code-named SA-5 Gammon, developed by the Soviet Union in the 1960s The primary role of the A-50U is to provide all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications (C3) for the Russian Air Force and Navy.
On February 23, 2024, the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces unveiled footage showcasing the first combat deployment of the US-supplied M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank against Russian forces. This marks a significant milestone following the confirmation by both Ukrainian soldiers and US officials in November 2022 that all 31 Abrams tanks donated to Ukraine had reached their intended destination.
As per information shared on Russian social media on February 23, 2024, Russian soldiers from the 21st Brigade recently targeted a US-supplied M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) belonging to the Ukrainian army's 47th Mechanized Brigade near Stepove. Details surrounding the extent of damage inflicted on the ABV remain unclear, with uncertainty over whether the Russian soldiers significantly damaged or destroyed the vehicle in the strike or if they targeted it after a previous immobilization.
The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) has emerged as a pivotal asset in the arsenal of the Ukrainian armed forces, courtesy of substantial support from the United States. This advanced weapon system has played a crucial role in countering the Russian offensive in the Donbas region, enabling Ukrainian forces to precisely target and disrupt Russian logistics, including supply and ammunition depots.
In a video released by the Ukrainian armed forces and shared on X( Twitter) on February 21, 2024, Ukrainian soldiers are seen employing the UR-77 Mine-clearing armored vehicle to target Russian positions. Known for its specialized mine-clearing capabilities, the UR-77 Meteorit system utilizes a potent Fuel-Air Explosive (FAE) charge designed for clearing minefields, which in this instance, has been repurposed for offensive operations against enemy fortifications.
According to Praise The Steph on February 19, 2024, the Ukrainian 47th Separate Artillery Brigade has recently introduced the new 2S22 Bohdana 4.0 into active service. This updated version of the 2S22 Bohdana is mounted on a Czech Tatra 158 Phoenix 8x8 chassis and features a semi-automatic loader. Currently, the Ukrainian army possesses four variants of the Bohdana 155mm self-propelled howitzer (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0).
A video published on February 20, 2024, by the "Ukrainian Front" on their social media account has revealed the deployment of ex-Belgian Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles (AIFVs) within the Ukrainian armed forces. This revelation points to a new facet of military support that Ukraine is receiving amidst its ongoing conflict, though not through official government channels.
On February 19, 2024, Russian forces announced and showcased for the first time the destruction of an MQM-185B jet-powered British drone, believed to be the Banshee or a similar model, through images shared on their social media platforms. This incident occurred near Novoazovsk, a strategically significant location near the border between the Donetsk region and Russia.
Ukraine is ramping up initiatives to equip more regions with electronic warfare (EW) systems. This strategy, a top priority for the Ukrainian government in 2024, aims to protect vital infrastructure and key facilities from Russian drone and cruise missile attacks.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have integrated two Russian T-90M tanks after their capture. This information was reportedly relayed by the Command of the Logistics Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Netherlands has declared its participation in a military coalition aimed at providing Ukraine with advanced drone technology to boost its offensive capabilities in the conflict against Russia.
On February 13, 2024, the Russian company Omsktransmash, a division of UralVagonZavod, announced on Russian media the delivery of another batch of T-80BVM Model 2023 tanks to Russian units stationed in Ukraine. These vehicles are speculated to be intended for deployment in the Lyman direction near the Kremensky forest, possibly to support infantry operations against Ukrainian positions, akin to previous deliveries.
In an operation near the border with Russia, the "Geese-9" special forces group of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence destroyed a Russian Kasta-2E2 (39N6E) radar station, a key piece of equipment for airspace surveillance. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) highlighted that "due to fire damage, the Kasta-2E2 radar was rendered inoperative, resulting in losses for the radar service."
According to the latest assessments from Norwegian military intelligence, the balance in the conflict in Ukraine appears to be shifting in favor of Russia. The annual report "Focus 2024" from E-tjenesten, released on February 12, 2024, indicates that Russia is strengthening its military power with a war economy and significant investments in its arms industry.
On February 12, 2024, a video shared on Russian media details updates to the T-62M and T-62MV Model 2020 tanks, which are in use by Russia's Buryat 5th Separate Guards Tank Brigade, part of the 36th Combined Arms Army active in the Donetsk Oblast sector of southern Ukraine. It's also possible that these tanks could be linked to the 39th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade, following the abandonment of a T-62M near Novomykhailivka, Donetsk Oblast.
The Ukrainian Navy's press service recently broadcast footage demonstrating the air defense forces' effectiveness, featuring the first combat use of a Counter-Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) weapon system developed by L3Harris specifically for Ukraine.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its third year, reports confirm the deployment of Cold War-era tanks by the Russian army in direct assaults against Ukrainian positions. This resurgence of outdated military equipment raises questions about the evolving dynamics of modern warfare and the strategies employed by both sides in the ongoing conflict.
On February 6, 2024, the Telegram channel Spy Dossier disclosed an incident involving the Russian Airborne Forces in the occupied Ukrainian region of Luhansk. A 50P6E launcher, part of the S-350E Vityaz air defense system, was damaged during night operations. According to available information, the Russian forces, ironically, became victims of a mine from defenses presumably laid by themselves.
On February 9, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense revealed through a video on its VK social network account the deployment of an upgraded version of the T-90M tank in Ukraine, showcasing significant enhancements in its defense mechanisms. The latest model of the T-90M has been outfitted with a new generation of Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), aimed at bolstering its resilience on the modern battlefield.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has mandated the creation of a specialized branch within the Ukrainian Armed Forces dedicated solely to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), as reported by The New Voice of Ukraine on February 6.
The Ukrainian military has recently received two Leleka-100 unmanned reconnaissance systems (leleka means ‘’stork’), courtesy of the Poroshenko Foundation Militarnyi reports. This announcement was made by People's Deputy of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, through his social media channels. These state-of-the-art UAVs have been allocated to the 3rd separate regiment of the SSO, bearing the name of Svyatoslav the Brave, and the 141st separate rifle brigade.
