Peace talk contradictions amid russian weapon shipments to Ukraine
On one hand, the Russians are increasingly discussing peace lately, while at the same time sending additional shipments of weapons to Ukraine. The rail transport includes older models, which are still considered a better option than a Lada or Moskvitch. We present what they are and what they offer.
The Russians, who continuously accuse Ukraine of starting the war and of lacking the will to negotiate, are simultaneously continuing the delivery of heavy equipment to their units in Ukraine. In the video below, you can see a BTR-D transporter alongside BRDM-2 armoured vehicles.
BTR-D transporters and BRDM-2 armoured vehicles - better than a Lada or Moskvitch
BTR-D transporters are essentially elongated and turretless BMD-1s, capable of carrying up to ten infantry soldiers in addition to a three-person crew. However, as described by Wirtualna Polska journalist Łukasz Michalik, like the BMD infantry fighting vehicles, their armour is not very effective and can be penetrated even by an FN FAL rifle loaded with armour-piercing ammunition.
On the other hand, the second category consists of BRDM-2 armoured vehicles, which are designs from the 1960s. These are reconnaissance vehicles weighing nearly 6,350 kilograms, with a 4x4 drive, capable of travelling at speeds up to 100 km/h and crossing water obstacles at speeds up to 10 km/h.
The protection for the four-person crew consists solely of steel armour capable of withstanding fire from ordinary handheld firearms or mortar shell fragments. It is not a heavily armed vehicle, as the reconnaissance version typically has a large-calibre KPV machine gun 14.5x114 mm in a turret version.
However, tank destroyer versions were based on 9P133 Malutka-P or 9P148 Konkurs missiles. The first is completely useless in the current war, but the second still has potential thanks to its range of up to 4 kilometres and the ability to overcome single-layer reactive armour.
While it is not modern equipment, considering that in recent months the Russians have often used modified Ladas or Moskvitches for assaults, even old BRDM-2s provide significantly greater protection.
