The Economist explains

Why so many Russian tanks fall prey to Ukrainian mines

With the right help, tanks should be able to cross minefields

Foreign EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL UNIT (EOD) volunteers dig out TM-62 anti tank mines in a former Russian position, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, March 21, 2023. (Andres Martinez Casares/Polaris)Credit: Polaris / eyevineFor further information please contact eyevinetel: +44 (0) 20 8709 8709e-mail: info@eyevine.comwww.eyevine.com
Image: Eyevine
|3 min read

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?

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From the April 15th 2023 edition

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