Ukrainian soldiers have captured a heavily modified Russian tank near Klishchiivka and launched drone attacks on Russian infrastructure, while a Russian military helicopter was downed by friendly fire near Anapa in separate incidents. These developments mark an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Ukrainian Forces Capture Modified Russian Tank Near Klishchiivka
DONETSK REGION, Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers have captured a heavily modified Russian tank dubbed a “barn,” in the ongoing conflict near the village of Klishchiivka, close to the heavily contested city of Bakhmut. The tank, originally a rusted T-62 model, had been repurposed with a large boxy shell, a rear cage, and electronic warfare devices, indicating an attempt to protect against drone attacks.
Ukrainian forces reported the vehicle was used to transport supplies, ammunition, and troops. “It was created to defend from FPV drones and drone bomb drops,” said Lieutenant Colonel Serhiy Misiura. Despite these modifications, Ukrainian soldiers described the vehicle as hastily assembled and ineffective, highlighting limitations such as difficult entry and exit, poor visibility, and an overwhelming stench inside.
Aerial footage captured by Ukrainian forces on June 17 showed the tank being seized in a wooded area, with a Ukrainian flag planted on it afterward.
Russian Ka-29 Helicopter Downed by Friendly Fire Near Anapa
In a separate incident, a Russian Ka-29 military helicopter was mistakenly shot down by friendly fire near Anapa in the Black Sea region. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of all four crew members, involved a Pantsir medium-range surface-to-air missile. This event is part of a series of friendly fire episodes attributed to malfunctions in Russia’s “friend or foe” identification system.
The downed helicopter was on a mission to counter Ukrainian kamikaze sea drones, which have significantly damaged Russian naval assets. Prior to this, Russia reported destroying several Ukrainian sea drones.
Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Russian Infrastructure
Ukrainian drone forces have been active in targeting Russian infrastructure, striking a fuel and lubricants train in the Tambov region and the Enemskaya oil depot in Adygea. Additionally, drones attacked oil refineries in Afipsky, Ilsky, Krasnodar, and Astrakhan regions, as well as radar and electronic intelligence centers in the Bryansk region and temporarily occupied Crimea.
At least five explosions were recorded at the Enemskaya oil depot, sparking a large fire, according to the Ukrainian general staff. The attacks also targeted a storage site for Iranian-supplied Shahed drones. These strikes are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to undermine Russian supply and operational capabilities.
