Ukrainian Tank Strikes Russian APC In Kursk Region: A Close Encounter Captured On Video

A video shared by Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov captures a Ukrainian tank recently firing at point-blank range on a Russian armored personnel carrier (APC) in Russia's Kursk region. This dramatic footage, posted on Butusov's Telegram channel on October 16, showcases the intensity of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, especially as the war pushes beyond its original borders. The video not only highlights the tactical maneuvers of Ukrainian forces but also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by soldiers on the front lines.

The footage reveals a Russian armored personnel carrier moving across a field towards two Ukrainian tanks. As the APC approaches, a front-line Ukrainian tank opens fire from an alarmingly close distance, resulting in large plumes of smoke and chaos. The visual impact of the video is heightened by the presence of at least three soldiers seen exiting the damaged Russian vehicle, underscoring the human cost of this conflict.

In the aftermath of the strike, a subsequent video shows the APC being hit again, further emphasizing the relentless nature of the fighting in this region. According to reports, the Ukrainian Ground Forces' 225th Assault Battalion was responsible for providing this footage, showcasing their operational capabilities and the ongoing battles in the area.

According to Butusov, the Ukrainian tank that fired was part of the 17th Tank Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This reveals the strategic importance of tank units in the conflict, especially in areas like Kursk, where the fighting has intensified. The Ukrainian military's ability to conduct such operations reflects their determination to reclaim territory and push back against Russian advances.

To watch the video, click here. Newsweek has not independently verified the footage and has reached out to the Ukrainian and Russian military for confirmation and comment via email on Sunday.

Since Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, most of the fighting has occurred in Kyiv. However, a surprise offensive by Ukrainian forces on August 6 pushed into Russia's Kursk region northeast of Ukraine, marking the most significant advance into Russian territory since the start of full-scale war. Kyiv has reported that since the offensive, it has captured at least 500 square miles of territory in the region, highlighting the ongoing struggle for control and the shifting dynamics of the battlefield.

However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a U.S.-based think tank that tracks daily changes to the frontlines, stated on Saturday that Moscow's forces had made gains to the east of Sudzha. This indicates that while Ukrainian forces are making progress, the battle is far from over, and territorial control remains a contentious issue.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's army chief, stated in a Telegram post on Sunday that he visited and worked with military units operating in the Sumy and Kursk regions. He mentioned, "Despite all the enemy's attempts to seize the initiative, the situation remains under our control." This statement reflects the continued resilience and determination of Ukrainian forces to maintain their operational strength amidst the ongoing conflict.

On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that North Korea "is getting involved in the war" with Ukraine and is preparing tens of thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russia. Zelensky mentioned, "I know that there is an intention to prepare 10,000 soldiers from different branches of the armed forces," during a press conference in Brussels reported by Ukrainian media.

This involvement would mark a significant escalation in North Korea's participation in the war on behalf of its key ally, Russia. The Kremlin has dismissed reports of North Korean troops engaging alongside Russian forces as "fake news." However, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) new Secretary General, Mark Rutte, stated on Friday that the alliance "cannot confirm reports that North Koreans are actively now as soldiers engaged in the war effort," but noted that this "might change." This uncertainty underscores the complex dynamics of international involvement in the conflict.

Even if North Korea is not physically present on the battlefield, Rutte emphasized that they are still contributing to fueling Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine in every way they can. So far, no formal military forces from outside the conflict have committed significant resources to the frontlines. Since February 2022, the United States has provided $56.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, according to the U.S. Department of Defense, highlighting the ongoing support for Ukraine amidst the escalating conflict.