Ukrainian troops reclaim sunken Russian BMP‑2 in daring mission
Ukrainian soldiers from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade conducted a special operation, resulting in the capture of a Russian BMP-2, which had been lying submerged in a lake for two years. According to assessments from the Operational-Strategic Grouping of Troops "Chortyca," this operation marks a success for the Ukrainians while also highlighting challenges faced by their army.
"On one hand, it is a brilliant, well-thought-out, and heroic operation. On the other hand, if our soldiers had sufficiently modern equipment, perhaps they wouldn't have to risk their health and lives to capture such a trophy," stated the official Telegram channel of the Operational-Strategic Grouping of Troops "Chortyca."
Ukrainians retrieved a Russian BMP-2 from the water
Information revealed that the Russian BMP-2 was pulled out from "right under the noses of the occupiers," who had "abandoned it fully loaded with ammunition." The operation was carried out on the northern outskirts of the village of Torske in the Donetsk region, almost directly on the front line.
According to Ukrainian soldiers from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade, the operation only became possible once receding water partially exposed the Russian BMP-2. The success was due not only to careful preparation but also to favourable weather—fog and sleet made it difficult for the Russians to observe and potentially retaliate.
An additional fighting vehicle for Ukrainians
Initial inspection confirmed the Ukrainians' suspicions. The retrieved BMP-2 showed no signs of mechanical damage and will be sent for repairs essential after being submerged. It will then return to combat but on the Ukrainian side.
The BMP-2 is about 40 years old, primarily transporting mechanized infantry and support tanks. They are well-known to both Russians and Ukrainians. Inside, there is space for eight soldiers (plus three crew members), and their armament includes a 2A42 30 mm cannon, a 7.62 mm machine gun, and a 9K113 Konkurs anti-tank guided missile launcher.
As Łukasz Michalik, a journalist from Wirtualna Polska, wrote in 2022, considering the losses in Ukraine and the challenges faced by their industry, the Russians announced plans to resume production of the BMP-2.
