These images purport to show a Russian T80 tank advancing across a battlefield in Ukraine while firing at Ukrainian positions with its long gun and its remote-controlled machine gun.
The first part of the footage shows the tank opening fire on a treeline from a stationary position before the images cut to it advancing and shooting.
Smoke can be seen rising from the trees, with the images then showing the tank opening fire with its heavy machine gun.
The images were obtained from the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday, 20th May, along with a statement claiming (in English): “Tank crews of Tsentr Group of Forces obliterate enemy’s stronghold in Avdeyevka direction.”
The Russian MoD added: “During a combat assignment, the T-80 tank crews moved to a firing position at a distance of a direct shot to support actions of motorised rifle units. The crews fired 125-mm high explosive fragmentation shells at the enemy’s positions eliminating machine gun points and fortifications providing fire support to advancing infantry groups.
“Skillful and cohesive actions of the T-80 tank crews allowed the infantry assault detachments to capture the enemy’s positions and gain a foothold in the assigned area.” (sic)
We have not been able to independently verify the claims or the footage.
