T-80 tanks help Russia advance in Donetsk, Ukraine says it shot down Russian Su-25

Russian T-80 tanks during an exercise

TASS news agency on May 20 quoted a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry saying that T-80 tanks of the central combat group helped Russian soldiers advance in the town of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

Accordingly, the T-80 tanks destroyed the enemy stronghold with direct fire. "They were retreating and we were chasing them. This tactic helped the infantry move forward," said a Russian tank gunner nicknamed Romeo.

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The Russian Defense Ministry said the tanks opened fire from a distance of 800 meters under continuous enemy fire.

"Fire was carried out with 125mm high-explosive fragmentation shells against enemy positions, destroying machine gun emplacements and fortifications, and providing fire support for the advancing infantry groups. The skilled and competent actions of the T-80 crews helped the infantry assault groups seize enemy positions and gain the designated area," the statement said.

In another development, the 110th Brigade, a unit of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, said its air defense forces shot down a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft, the fourth to be shot down within two weeks, according to Newsweek .

A former Soviet aircraft designed to provide close air support and attack designated targets. It is equipped with guns, bombs, and air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles.

"Air defense forces of the 110th Brigade continue to punish Russian aircraft for illegally crossing the border. Another enemy Su-25 was shot down. The wreckage is smoldering in Donetsk province. Our skies will become hell for the occupying pilots," according to the 110th Brigade.

Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russian Su-25 aircraft were shot down by Ukraine on May 4, May 11 and May 13.

Ukraine and Russia have not immediately commented on each other's information.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xe-tang-t-80-giup-nga-tien-len-o-donetsk-ukraine-noi-ban-ha-su-25-cua-nga-185240520155615342.htm