Russian volunteer corps flips script with captured BTR‑82A against Putin's forces
Soldiers from the Russian Volunteer Corps made themselves known again. They repelled an offensive by Putin's army units in the Kharkiv region, bringing into combat, among other things, a captured BTR-82A armoured personnel carrier. We explain what kind of weapon this is.
The Russian Volunteer Corps is one of the paramilitary formations that were established shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It mainly consists of Russians opposing the Kremlin and supporting Ukraine in its fight for independence. On May 13, they stood side by side with the army of defenders against the invaders' assault, having at their disposal, among other things, a BTR-82A.
BTR-82A. What kind of weapon is it?
The BTR-82 is a Russian-wheeled armoured personnel carrier designed by the Arzamas Machinery Plant. It entered service in 2011, making it one of the newer vehicles in Putin's army. This applies especially to the BTR-82A, the latest, most well-equipped variant. Compared to the base versions, it has been equipped with, among other features, an armoured hull that protects against mines and other explosive devices, anti-shrapnel lining inside, and a new, unmanned turret.
The BTR-82A crew can attack using a 2A72 30 mm cannon and supporting weaponry in the form of a 7.62 mm calibre machine gun. Thanks to the manufacturer's use of a day-night sight, the BTR-82A allows effective firing even after dark. The 8x8 wheel traction and powerful engine allow this armoured personnel carrier to speed up to about 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph).
Interestingly, the BTR-82A visible in the videos published on social media is a unit taken from Putin's army units in May 2023.
The soldiers of the Russian Volunteer Corps on Telegram ironically thanked the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for handing over the BTR-82A on May 22, 2023. Now, it has returned home.
This is not the first time that one of the Russian paramilitary units has attacked the country's regular army. Several operations have already had a broad impact, such as attacks on positions in the Belgorod and Kursk regions.
