Thread by @astraiaintel

1/ Russian forces deployed a tank specially modified to provide electronic warfare cover for their mechanized group. In what will be remembered as one of the most dangerous missions of the war, Ukrainian soldiers stepped in and managed to recover it.

Here is the full story. 🧵

2/ Having neutralized 4 drones during the initial assault, a weak spot was identified and the vehicle ended up receiving substantial damage from a Ukrainian FPV drone. Simultaneously wire became tangled in its tracks, causing it to collide with the Russian BMP in it's vicinity.

3/ With the vehicle now immobilized, the enemy crew was forced the abandon it.

Having been identified as a high value asset by local commanders, a group of heroes from the Azov brigade was tasked with recovering it.

4/ Working solely at night to avoid detection by enemy reconnaissance, the Azovites were faced with an impossible task. They had to conduct field repairs to bring the vehicle into working order a mere 400 meters from Russian positions.

5/ These included, getting access to the driver's position, replacing the ≈60kg batteries and removing the wire entangled in the tank's tracks. All this, I kid you not, while the tank was positioned directly above a Ukrainian mine that needed to be diffused.

6/ To conduct these repairs, the team had to shuttle back and forth between the nearest Ukrainian positions, carrying all the necessary equipment, while maintaining a low profile. All this with Russian reconnaissance drones constantly overhead.

7/ During this time, there was an instance where the local Russian "golf" club even attempted to pay a visit, riding on the infamous Chinese golf carts, with the intention of reaching the vehicle. Luckily for the Azovites, the threat was quickly spotted and neutralized by drones.

8/ Having done the impossible by completing the repairs undetected, handling the mine situation, unlocking the hatch, starting the engine, and setting course for the Ukrainian positions to the west, the tank fell into a crater formed by a Russian airstrike a few days earlier,

8.5/ causing the driver-mechanic to temporarily lose consciousness. Fortunately, he managed to come to his senses and was able to successfully complete the mission.

9/ This tank turned out to be a 2022 T-72B3M, equipped a 1PN96MT-02 thermal sight. For their heroism and bravery, all the guys who participated in this operation are expected to receive decorations and awards by the Ukrainian state.

Героям слава!