Russia releases video of destroying Ukrainian Leopard 2 tank

The Russian military posted a video of a formation of Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 tanks being ambushed during a counterattack in Zaporizhzhia, destroying at least one.

Russian military television on June 8 posted video taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) showing a convoy of Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers moving in Zaporizhzhia province, likely participating in a counterattack campaign against Russian defense lines.

In the video, a convoy of Ukrainian armored vehicles is seen under heavy fire from Russian aircraft and artillery at an intersection in an open area, with only a few trees providing cover. At least two Leopard 2A4 tanks are standing still, one of them emitting smoke, apparently having suffered an explosion in its ammunition chamber.

Russia releases video of destroyed Ukrainian Leopard 2 tank — A convoy of Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 tanks was attacked by Russian forces in a video released today. Video: *Zvezda*

"Enemy tanks moved in a single column, but turned into piles of molten iron under the fire of Russian forces. Some tried to retreat but ran into minefields. Stationary armored vehicles became easy targets for artillery and aircraft," the Russian military said.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said today that his country's forces repelled an attempt by the Ukrainian army to break through the front line in Zaporizhzhia province on the night of June 7. "Ukraine deployed up to 1,500 soldiers and 150 armored vehicles. Four enemy attacks along the front were stopped and they had to retreat with heavy losses," he announced.

Two Ukrainian officials, including a close adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, previously confirmed to ABC News that the long-rumored counteroffensive had begun. The Washington Post also cited four sources in the Ukrainian armed forces as saying that the counteroffensive had begun and the army had intensified its attacks in the southeast.

However, the Ukrainian military did not confirm the above statements. "We do not have such information, nor do we comment on anonymous sources," said a spokesman for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Ukraine's potential counterattacks. Graphics: Times — Ukraine's potential counterattacks. Graphics: *Times*

US officials said the attacks were a probing move by Ukraine to find weak points in the Russian defense line, before concentrating on breaking through to key points. According to the Russian military, the main Ukrainian offensive points are on the southern Donetsk front, including Zaporizhzhia province and part of Donetsk province.

Vu Anh (According to Zvezda, Reuters )

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