How Ukrainian Tank Crews Near Kharkiv Seized A Position Called 'Moscow'

During a September counteroffensive by Ukraine's armed forces, about 400 towns in the Kharkiv region were liberated from Russian occupiers. Ukrainian tank crews spoke to RFE/RL about how they launched a surprise attack that pushed out Russian troops from their fortified positions.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/how-ukrainian...
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[Vicki Stewart]

What impressed me about this operation was the expert command and control of the troops using the drone technology and the experience of the soldiers in demining that preserved lives and equipment. Priceless!

[cristi si numai eu]

All actions leaded by Nato

[liquidcactus]

That western training has helped them SHIT LOADS HEY VICKI 😁💙💛

[kat puss]

Of course, Russia has no advanced technology. They are still fighting with the Wooden sticks and stones., 😂😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣😂😂 Muppets. "Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly." The cavalry are on their way. All freshly trained and rested.... Viva, Russia.

[kat puss]

Boys with toys?

[Cai]

United Kingdom

[Crazy Croat]

These guys are so impressive. Everything about this is so impressive. The command, the creativity, the courage... It's like they've done this for decades and one knows this is new to many of them. Truely incredible.

[pulpfiction]

great comment

[Raisha Ferreira]

Salmo 18 for protection ukanias family and volunteer 💙💛

[RF]

They're doing this since 2014.

[pbrin]

Those are very solid, experienced troops who work in combined skill groups to achieve their objective. Very interesting video and especially shows troops who are motivated, patient and skillful. Slava Ukraini. May you stay safe and liberate your lands.

[John Rivers]

@James Dean i just had my period.

[John Rivers]

@James Dean today i found out where your house is more or less.

[John Rivers]

@James Dean pretty suspicious

[John Rivers]

@James Dean i am in ukraine! FFS

[John Rivers]

@James Dean hey bud its your browser history, dont look at me

[Igor Volkov]

Спасибо вам героям!

[LadyAnuB]

The greybeards won this battle. It helped that the squadron commander is a professional soldier, the combat engineers knew their stuff, and the drones worked like a charm. When combined arms works, it is absolutely fantastic.

[LadyAnuB]

​@That0Homeless0Guy I was thinking of fighting doctrine but they have stuck to old doctrine in other areas as you have pointed out.

[That0Homeless0Guy]

@LadyAnuB They also have an awful command structure and troops who are afraid of being shot or jailed for retreating. Western and Ukrainian troops operate under a set of battle guidelines that enable them to operate independenly of command structure when disconnected. Things like retreat when surrounded or disadvantaged unless command tells you otherwise. Where as if a commander loses contact with a russian unit they lack the training and authority to change the plan without permission from command. This largely comes from poor training of soldiers but also command structure disallowing much autonomy of its units when it could benefit them.

[LadyAnuB]

@Dìoghaltas Fòirneartach They have, their problem is actually executing it. Too much reliance upon artillery. Too much corruption within their armed forces. Too much reliance upon old doctrine. All serve to prevent effective use of their forces.

[Luke Skymaster]

Did anyone else notice the age of the best fighters in wars? Mature men who already raised their children, experienced enough to keep cool heads in extreme situations

[Ben Fisher]

Old vets, like the guy that said the commander is usually on the mission which is the soviet way but was commanding from hq with drone eye view. A warrior that adapts is a warrior that survives

[Kathleen Mann]

Don't dismiss the "Boomers" 😁🦾🇺🇦

[Mei Lin Chan]

Yup, I noticed the same too these past few weeks. Many of the officers are often old or grizzled men.

[Harry Hole]

You are really heroes. Slava Ukraini, and good luck to you guys.

[Harry Hole]

@Сотик Сотовый Нет. русский уже не в моде

[Сотик Сотовый]

СТРАННО НА РУССКОМ ЯЗЫКЕ- ВДРУГ ГОВОРЯТ 👏👏👏

[Lars Ronæs]

Slava Ukraini! - Heroyam Slava!

[Raisha Ferreira]

God bless ukania family and volunteers 💙💛

[JETWTF]

The tank commander surveying the field with a drone while staying in a safe location is the best thing to do, not only is he safe but he is seeing the battle in real time with his own eyes allowing him to make snap decisions as the battle conditions change. Then infantry, armor, and artillery working as a unit is the modern way of using tanks, a support vehicle rather than Russia's WWII use of tanks working alone. Very good to know they are fighting smarter not harder.

[reggveg]

@TheNinyo 77 They kicked the Russian ass and forced them to retreat didn't they comrade?

[TheNinyo 77]

Lol lol he'd be better of back in his shop 🤣😂🤣 " tank commander " lol .

[Márcio Silva]

GRANDE 👏 GUERREIRO UCRANIANOS 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇧🇷❤️🙌

[M L]

You guys are unreal, so professional, heroes and real credit to Ukraine 🇺🇦💛💙hope you all can keep safe ✌️

[Spartan Conscience]

I hope who made the same comment to the Taliban who were fighting for their country against the terrorists EU, NATO and the USA?

[Bullshot]

Absolute heroes. I cannot put into words the respect I have for the armed forces of Ukraine. Just awesome.

[Michael Steimer]

The Ukrainian Army is doing an awesome job. Thank you so much for your brave service

[George Orwell]

Mad respect... for these guys, no Idea how they walk with balls that size. I hope peace can return to ukraine soon.

[Lars Ronæs]

@Dn Zach Yes I remember her. Women, men, civilians, soldiers, old, young, all the Ukrainians are brave heroes in my eyes.

[Dn Zach]

Dear@Lars Ronæs Remember the little old Ukrainian lady who scolded the Russian soldier and told him "we don't want you here" ! She gave him some sun flower seeds and told him to put the seeds in his pocket so that "when he dies something good will come out of him". I think of her bravery and guts often. I hope she makes it through this war. DZ

[Shah Rahman]

G.O. - Peace ? A long way from present.

[Daniel Fourie]

I turned 50 the other day but seen the age of some of these guys I feel great they deserve respect!well done

[Kathleen Mann]

@Dan Renwick 72, and I would too. (again) 😁 🦾🇺🇦🤝🦾🇺🇲 =✌️👌

[Daniel Fourie]

Thanks man I'm sure you would whoop ass there but these chaps are definitely heroes and seen them mostly not spring chickens and doing this shit gave me confidence!

[Dan Renwick]

Well, congratulations, enjoy your youth! I recently turned 70, don't believe it or accept it. Yet I would certainly take up arms and defend my beautiful country as well. Pray to an end to this disgraceful aggression.

[Teresa Levancini]

Fuerza Ukrania 🇨🇱👁️👁️🇨🇱🇺🇦🙏🌻♥️

[Remain Profane]

The tank commander staying behind to direct the battle from an overhead drone is so awesome. Finally, all those hours of playing Company of Heroes 2 have paid off for him. Slava Ukraine from 🇨🇦

[Spartan Conscience]

@Broken Potato And what fallacy is that? When someone is attacking Russia who attacked Ukraine but disregards the fact that NATO and the USA behaved far worse attacking Libya, Syria, Serbia, Iraq, Afghanistan causing tens of millions refugees and cost the lives if millions more. I am just pointing out their hypocrisy. If pointing out this hypocrisy bothers you then that is your problem.

[Broken Potato]

@Spartan Conscience so find some logical fallacy to attack someone over to defend your beloved empire? thats your definition of confronting someone head on?

[Spartan Conscience]

@Broken Potato It my personal preference. Confront them head on.

[Broken Potato]

@Spartan Conscience why do you people hide in the responses of other comments and not comment openly?

[Spartan Conscience]

I find it hypocritical how you side with Ukraine when Canada is a major human rights violator of its indigenous people. Try focusing your hollow praise into fixing your own home first .

[Eric Boyle]

Combined arms and initiative by the troops on the ground! Slava Ukraini!

[JoRo]

Impressive professionalism and creativity. It's also impressive how old some of these guys are for fighting troops. Thank you for fighting for us, too!

[Adam Beal]

Ukrainian military has developed into a really strong fighting force. Amazing to see this!

[Freakin’Gabagool]

@Spartan Conscience the homosexual third-world tendencies gave it away, bro

[Spartan Conscience]

@Freakin’Gabagool Didn't the name SPARTAN!! Conscience give it away? Do not become a detective

[Freakin’Gabagool]

@Spartan Conscience”I’m Greek” LMAOOOOO

[Freakin’Gabagool]

@Spartan Conscience cope subhuman

[Waldemar Dos Santos]

Glória A Ukraina 🇺🇦💙💛🙏🇧🇷

[Just passing by]

I am really impressed by the calm professionalism and civil behaviour of these soldiers.

[HeckYeah HD]

Ukraine can be so incredibly proud of their soldiers! My Heart goes out to all of you!

[Michelle Elliott]

God bless all Ukrainian Heroes what a force to be reckoned with absolutely brilliant ❤

[Rebecca Henderson]

Slava Ukraine! Canada stands with all of your brave men, women and children.

[Colin Cook]

Wow incredible tactics and very brave men, may you prevail. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 ♥️

[Yoyo]

Have no words how to explain how I feel when I see such kind of people, who defend their own life and will! Ukraine army = order, pacient, purpose... Heroes Russian army = Blyatistan Glory to the soldiers who defend their country! Keep up lads! Slava Ukraine

[Brenda Raudebaugh]

Thank you for your heroic troops. Be safe. 🇨🇦

[Spartan Conscience]

I find it hypocritical how you side with Ukraine when Canada is a major human rights violator of its indigenous people. Try focusing your hollow praise into fixing your own home first .

[Chris]

Awesome tactics and coordination! So important. I hope all these amazing people defending their homes with a smile make it back.

[Lola Vanenburg]

Victory for all of Ukraine 🇺🇦 my prayers and blessings to all of you brave men and women..❤❤love from Liverpool Uk 🇬🇧

[Malin Ericson]

Keep up the good work dear bravehearts and defenders of Ukraine! Please stay strong, have high spirit and be safe! We love you all! Slava Ukraini!// Love and light from Sweden 🙏🏼🇸🇪❤️🇺🇦💪🏼🌻

[Douglas Morton]

For the tank commander to be able to see the battlefield from above and strategically move his tanks in conjunction with infantry support and artillery cover is fantastic. 21st century warfare in the trenches at its best, and for many, its worst. Hats off to Ukrainian fighters who are adopting new tactics and strategies to defend their homeland and people. Slava Ukraine! Stay Safe!!!

[lucian-danut]

Respect, heroes! 🇺🇦❤️

[norwegian36]

Impressive! Stay strong! Support from Norway! Slava Ukraini !

[Donavon Robbins]

Its refreshing to hear armor being used the way it's suppose to be. As a fighting team.

[Pak De]

I'm not a fan of war orcwar games but I have to admit that hearing the story of their attack was amazing. If you have to fight at least fight smart. Great job guys👍

[Marcin Różalski]

You are true heroes to me. You defend your land, your homes, your identity, your country, your freedom and family and loved ones. SLAVA UKRAINE !!! 🇺🇦🤝🇵🇱

[Ivan Octavian]

@Lany Alqurum God bless the territories that Ukraine are holding after ww2. I mean Hungarian and Romanian territories that Ukraine don't want to give back

[Mantek430]

Interesting books you have there,Luca Daniele. S'pose in your literature it's USSR that sunk Bismarck, Yamato, repelled attack on Pearl Harbour or ended WW II single-handedly. Have you looked in mirror today round-ears?

[Ivan Octavian]

Slava slava!! But when you give back the Hungarian and Romanian territories?

[koiun dwrru]

Brilliant strategy, courage beyond belief. You will regain your wonderful country. Prayers to all!

[Jenny van wyk]

Go Ukraine you can do it 💪 slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 ♥️

[calvacoca]

Very good job folks 😎👍 Brave and competent soldiers you are.

[Man Jadda wajada]

Well done ...GBU...Slava Ukraine...❤️ l from 🇲🇨for Great soldiers ✊✊

[Tim Sullivan]

An excellent report - have not seen any remotely this comprehensive in covering a single military action. Well done.

[Biggie]

You are true warriors and the world stands with Ukraine. Stay safe and i'll pray you come back alive.

[Raisha Ferreira]

God bless ukania family and volunteers 💙💛

[wolfthequarrelsome]

Well see next week what true warriors are when the counter offensive starts. Indeed the world doesn't stand with them.

[abbsnn cose]

I see the bravery and courage on the expressions of these soldiers.

[Rusoyob]

God help you. Brave solders. Slava Ukraine 💪🇺🇦

[Vitalii Kot]

Спасибо!!! 🙏🙏🙏✌️✌️✌️💪💪💪❤️❤️❤️🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[Алена С]

Берегите себя, пожалуйста, 🙏🙏🙏Возвращайтесь домой целыми и невредимыми💙💛 Благослови вас Бог!

[no-one in particular]

Stunning bravery, tactics and fighting skill !! 🇬🇧

[local vet]

There are no word's to express the bravery they have shown in battle. Slava Ukrainia ✌️ 🇺🇦 🇬🇧 ✌️

[Raisha Ferreira]

God bless ukania family and volunteers 💙💛

[x]

whaaa t Victory At Any Price ✌🏼🇺🇦

[Paddington]

🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦 🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦 Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes! 🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨 Thank you to all those who helps Ukraine! 🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨

[Finnbhennach]

Amazing army and men. Slava Ukraini.

[Ken ord]

Slava Ukraine and and all of her warriors, may God bless you all

[stanpetek]

Great man thanks man i can not believe the job you guys are doing bless Ukrainians from Slovenia and Australia

[GS Rathore]

I am from India and very very happy to see the courage of Ukrainian soldiers

[Spartan Conscience]

I support Pakistan and hope they defeat India's efforts to abuse human rights of Pakistanis

[MultiJejje]

@GS Rathore Nice to hear

[GS Rathore]

@MultiJejje Indian media favour Ukraine and since 15 days, our Indian Media praising Ukraine soldiers and Zelensky. We indian also happy that now a days Ukraine is retaking her areas from the clutches of Russia. I personally very glad and hope that you will win.

[MultiJejje]

@GS Rathore I heard that Indian press is reporting this war more Russian side. Is this true?

[GS Rathore]

@Viacheslav Shcherbakov welcome

[DigNap15]

Very brave men, and well trained. I salute you!

[Anders Svensk]

True heroes of Ukraine. I really admire the courage and bravery of the sappers. God bless them. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 ♥️ 🇸🇪

[hoiy vinosa]

from the United States 🇺🇦🇺🇸

[Briguy1027]

That guy explaining how mine traps work is quite extraordinary -- it sounded like he was one of the sappers that helped open the way through the mines. That takes a lot of guts.

[nerd1000ify]

@Marsh Based on what he said I think they used a mine clearing line charge (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mine-clearing_line_charge) to open a path through the mines. This has the benefit of being a lot faster than having sappers (or prisoners) clear them manually.

[Marsh]

Good point , of course the other option ; is to get Russian prisoners to gather up the mines.

[Markus B.]

The main takeaway for me: The military of Ukraine has understood combined arms and logistics as well as the actual work a commander has to do. Command first, control second. No need to police your troops if they are well motivated in the first place. Motivation is preparation. Impressive.

[Any Body]

Good Video, thanks for posting. What incredible courage from the Sappers leading the attack whilst dealing with the Mines and Booby Traps left by the Orcs.

[sokin jon]

Slava Ukraini.. You are true heroes and warriors.. not only for what you achieved but for you being you standing together - be as one...

[Twelve Stitches]

You're not just hero's for Ukraine but hero's for the world.

[Kibuuka Gordon]

Brilliant !!💃💃💃🤸🤸

[Brandy Luck]

Been training by a strong qualified army force UK and NATO For 8 years

[Nathan Zimmerman]

@Aaron Kosminski "except the AZOV" The same AZOV that the Russians returned to Ukraine in a prisoner exchange.

[John Zajac]

heroes!

[Jose Kunitaki]

Glory to Ukraine the world is with you, I am a Filipino we support you.

[Sergey Steshin]

The Balkenkreuz (lit. '"beam cross" or "bar cross"')[1] is a straight-armed cross that was first introduced in 1916-1918 and later became the emblem of the Wehrmacht (German Armed Forces) and its branches from 1935 until the end of World War II. It was used by the Wehrmacht Heer (Army), Luftwaffe (Air Force), and Kriegsmarine (Navy).

[River Girl]

These people are incredible, genius fighting for their home.

[a z]

Glory to God, Ukraine and the Heroes! 🙏🙏🇺🇦

[Richard Roy]

A great example of professional soldiering.. Slava Ukraine

[Maureen Stevens]

You might not want to teach the enemy your strategies..... Never tell your enemy his mistakes. But you're doing an awesome job.

[simon meszaros]

in russia its not only top down command but also dop down lying. thats why it cant operate differently..otherwise they wouldn fight.

[simon meszaros]

thay wont wath this video otherwise wouldnt go fighting

[Tindra]

@YellowPrime I do think it shows the new inexperiensed russians what they can expect so they hopefully just dont get involved in the waar but flee or hide in any way possible.

[DonO]

The Ruzzians only learned to run, run very fast 😂

[Richard Goldstein]

Genuine bravery, great commanders, stunning tactics and state of the art weaponry. Ukriane clearly has one of the best armies we have ever seen. Onward to Victory.

[Don Koh]

Quite an excellent report, RFE / RL . Well done. Love to Ukraine. Peace to all sides . Hopefully this terrible unnecessary invasion war will be ended soon, yes . Please and thanks

[Paul]

So impressed by the calm professionalism of these guys.

[J F]

What brave menfolk these heroes are! And look at the age of the tank commander, is he 25 or 26? Wow, it is impressive to see the armed forces of Ukraine fight bravely and be victorious to sample their blessed homeland and loved ones from the barbarian Orcs! Slava Ukraini!

[Cid Campeador]

Los ucranianos son extraordinarios, son la admiración del mundo defendiendo su país.

[KatsCats🇺🇦]

Brilliant job slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 👏

[none]

To be a tanker nowadays is like being a Submariner on a U-Boat in Germany in 1940s, your number is already up. That being said Brave young boys I hope there's an angel assigned to you.

[Humunkulus der II]

Ich verbeuge mich vor euren Mut. Der Sieg wird euch gehören . Lang lebe die Ukraine! 🇺🇦🇩🇪🇺🇦🇩🇪🇺🇦🇩🇪🇺🇦🇩🇪

[Joseph Sermarini]

These brave men have my admiration. Slava Ukraine!

[tdegler]

Good coordination, good command, mutual trust between units, teamwork - those are qualities that orks will NEVER have.

[Gerb the Great]

That is how a professional army operates. Impressive. Keep it up. Slava Ukraini!

[TheNinyo 77]

Wait to they actually start using proper russian soldiers !!! He hasn't even used his military yet ffs lol .

[S C]

US military watching training and maneuver videos have noted the only way to tell they aren't western troops is by the uniform - I don't think Putin's fodder could pick this up in a couple weeks between shots of vodka.

[Rusty Gold]

UK training has worked. Outclasses Russian structures. There would be a whole lot more the NATO experts are learning and make them confident they are a weaker enemy

[ike]

Well coordinated, good job! Slava Ukraini!

[Jersey Shore Drone Services]

Excellent work by very skilled and courageous military personnel.

[Lolha Orleans]

You are true heroes🇺🇦🇺🇦❤️🇹🇱🇹🇱💪

[Analina Calusay]

Glory to Eukrane! God is with you all.God bless all the soldiers of Eukrane!

[flor.1986]

You are absolute Heroes. Best regards from Germany

[Zigi]

Honestly I will be reading books about this conflict from any soldiers who decide to write them , the stories these men must have in the first huge European war since ww2 . Bothers nothing but respect 🫡 Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[Spartan Conscience]

@hoiy vinosa Slava Russia

[Ivan Octavian]

@MultiJejje I don't need your respect, I'm asking why Ukraine is not giving back the territories witch doesn't belong to them. One of them is called Cernauti and belongs to Romania. Read about

[MultiJejje]

@Ivan Octavian I will respect you never.

[Ivan Octavian]

I will respect Ukraine when they will give back the Hungarian and Romanian territories

[Norm McRae]

This is how a PROPER "Combined Arms" attack SHOULD be carried out! LOVE the Tank commander's idea of watching and co-coordinating his troop from a Drone! BRILLIANT!

[Harv Begal]

Whoa, I had not thought about drones from the command and control perspective like that. It makes it like an RTS game, except it's not a game and the units you command into battle are actual people.

[Marc Abelha]

That sounded very professional!! I remember one commander said, heroes are needed only when professionalism and discipline is lacking.

[MrDino1953]

I like the way they are so well-spoken, humble, quietly confident and even cheerful.

[katoys larva]

Glory to Ukraine, praying for ur safety

[Legendary-SuN ak]

What an example of bravery by all Ukranian populations and soldiers. 🇺🇦💪🇺🇦

[SHAK3 N]

@Coloradoing they are the battalion 🤣 theres current video of teenage girls giving the nazi salute as azov goes to fight. Odd because azov did summer camps for children.....

[Coloradoing]

@SHAK3 N Nope. They got removed from the battalion in like 2015. Get with the program.

[Peter Sterling]

True Heroes! This is Very interesting Video showing how the Ukraine Army fights with Coordination of all the Elements in Real time using Drones! They shocked the enemy with Massive Firepower and the Russians panicked and fled leaving their Positions and tons of Weapons and Ammo behind! Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[Werner Pay]

To the Ukrainian Army! You are heroes, you win this war! Glory to the Ukraine! 💪🙏🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[Pulen Toman]

Well done, my brothers!!! Good job!!!

[SergPaul62]

Well done lads! Not in quantity, but in skill...

[Rob Fer]

That is some top class soldiering, well done lads keep up the phenomenal work. 💪💙💛 "Slava Ukraini!" 🇺🇦🇬🇧

[Achmad Suhebi]

Great respect from Indonesian to Ukrainian fighters. 🇮🇩🇺🇦!

[khaek channel]

Ukraine 🇺🇦 fight not only for they country they fight for all justices in this world Thank you heroism thank you

[Wild Orchid]

God bless and always protect Ukraine troops 🙏

[Daniel ike]

Long live Ukraine 🇺🇦... Victory is very close 🙏🏾

[Ulmo]

My respect to the Ukrainian Army grows every day...

[John Chapuis]

Many of these men are not young, but have I’m sure lots a worldly experience to help them command and fight.