Unforeseen factors caused the raid of two Ukrainian brigades in Zaporizhzhia to fail, the most modern Leopard 2A6 tanks were destroyed.
On the morning of June 8, the 33rd Mechanized Brigade and the 47th Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian army gathered many Leopard 2 main battle tanks and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles to launch a large-scale attack on the Russian defense line near the village of Malaya Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia province.
To reach the Russian trenches, the two Ukrainian brigades had to cross a dense minefield. The Ukrainian commanders knew this and deployed at least one BMR-2 minesweeper and one Leopard 2R mine-clearing vehicle, hoping to create a safe opening for a company of M2A2 Bradley armored vehicles from the 47th Brigade and several Leopard 2A6 tanks from the 33rd Brigade to advance.
However, a series of unexpected factors appeared when the minesweepers began to charge. The Ukrainian engineers failed to clear the way because the minefield was too thick, leaving at least one Leopard 2A6 tank, one BMR-2 minesweeper and nine Ukrainian M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicles stuck in the open field.
Russian helicopter gunships and artillery immediately opened fire on the Ukrainian tanks and armored vehicles that were almost standing still. In a short time, the Leopard 2A6 tanks and a series of armored vehicles were destroyed by missiles launched from Ka-52 helicopters and artillery shells.
A convoy of Ukrainian armored vehicles was attacked by Russia in a video released on June 9. Video: Telegram/Voin_Dv
The attack near the village of Malaya Tokmachka to break through the Russian defense line on June 8 was unsuccessful and was a major setback for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s allies have so far committed to delivering only 21 Leopard 2A6s, the most advanced variant of the German-made main battle tank, and 109 M2 infantry fighting vehicles armed with US-made anti-tank missiles. The failed raid on June 8 cost Ukraine’s 33rd and 47th brigades 5 percent of their combat vehicles in a single morning.
Western experts believe that breaking through the enemy's defense is the most difficult and damaging stage for any armored unit, which was clearly demonstrated in the battle near the village of Malaya Tokmachka.
Under Russian fire, Ukrainian units were forced to withdraw from the front line to preserve their combat vehicles, including the crews of Leopard 2R mine-clearing vehicles. However, they had to leave behind British-made heavy mine plows on the battlefield.
If the battlefield conditions were more favorable for the Ukrainians, they could pull back the Leopard 2A6 and some M2s for repairs. The Ukrainian army has already tried to repair a Leopard 2A4 damaged in fighting with the Russians. However, the two Ukrainian brigades will be forced to change their offensive tactics after the defeat on June 8.
Location of the village of Malaya Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia province. Graphics: RYV
Western experts say the Russian defense line south of Malaya Tokmachka is much stronger than Ukrainian intelligence believes. The 70th and 291st Motorized Infantry Regiments, the 22nd and 45th Spetsnaz Brigades, and a Russian reserve unit are holding the area.
The 33rd and 47th Brigades may have to speed up the clearance of Russian minefields or find a way around them. Russian attack helicopters were one of the factors that led to the failure of the June 8 raid, so Ukraine may need to bring in Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns to the front line to provide support.
The attack by the 33rd and 47th brigades near the village of Malaya Tokmachka may have been the first major defeat for Ukraine in its counteroffensive, but Western experts believe it is not a sign that a major counteroffensive will have a similar outcome.
"The loss of weapons and equipment, including Western aid, early in the Ukrainian counteroffensive is not indicative of future developments," the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said. "It is important not to exaggerate the initial losses of Western and other weapons, especially in raids on well-fortified enemy lines."
Nguyen Tien (According to Forbes )
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