Unique and extreme: WP details how Ukrainian forces unconventionally use equipment
Photo: WP has reported on how the Ukrainian Armed Forces are making extreme use of Western equipment (Getty Images)
Ukraine is making extreme use of the Western equipment provided. This is due to the lack of artillery and ammunition at the front, according to The Washington Post.
Recently, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine released a video of a battle near the village of Sokil in the Donetsk region. The footage shows a Bradley combat vehicle engaged in a direct battle with Russian equipment.
The Bradley power
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 8, 2024
-made Bradley IFV in service with the 47th Mechanized Brigade is shooting at the enemy IFV in close range and significantly damaging it. pic.twitter.com/3ZIyfRNjG8
During the battle, the Russians drove their vehicles out from behind the trees, and in a few seconds both vehicles were racing against each other, firing their guns. A soldier fell out of the Russian vehicle. The Ukrainian BMP was hit on the targeting system. The main weapon was out of order. But the commander of the vehicle ordered to ram a Russian BTR-82 armored personnel carrier.
WP spoke to the commander of the Bradley, who took part in those battles. The Ukrainian soldier of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade received training from the US military in Germany.
The defender from the hospital where he is recovering from his injury praised Bradley's armor and its ability to hit Russians with 25mm shells. He notes that the Bradley returned from the battle on its own, despite Russian claims that the vehicle had been destroyed.
WP emphasizes that the video shows that Ukraine is using Western equipment uniquely and extremely to circumvent depleted artillery stocks and a lack of manpower.
According to the Pentagon, the United States has provided Ukraine with 300 Bradleys. Developed in the 1980s to protect and complement M1 Abrams tanks, the Bradley was nicknamed the "battle taxi" for its ability to ferry six soldiers across the battlefield under the protection of heavy armor.
US doctrine requires that Bradleys be used on the battlefield alongside other equipment, such as tanks. BMPs must engage targets at long distances to avoid enemy fire. This strategy is complemented by additional air defense. But Ukraine's capabilities are limited, so one or two vehicles are used to avoid detection.
Bradley for Ukraine
The Ukrainian army received Bradley armored vehicles from the United States in early 2023. The Ukrainian military was provided with vehicles armed with a 25-mm M242 Bushmaster cannon, a twin M240C machine gun, and a TOW anti-tank missile system.
In May 2024, the United States announced a new aid package for Ukraine. It includes, among other things, the supply of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.
