Footage Shows Russian Army Capturing Leopard 2A6 and M1A1 Abrams Tanks Near Avdiivka

Footage released by Russian Army units on the frontlines near the strategically located town of Avdiivka in the disputed Donbas region has shown the recovery of a disabled German-supplied Leopard 2A6 main battle tank fielded by the Ukrainian Army, as well as a more heavily damaged American supplied M1A1 Abrams tank. The two tank classes are considered among the most capable in the Ukrainian inventory, and have been supplied in far fewer numbers by NATO members than other classes such as the Leopard 2A4, Leopard 1 and T-72. While Leopard 2A6s were first deployed on the frontlines in June 2023, and were quickly being filmed taking heavy losses to Russian forces, the Abrams was first deployed for combat only in February 2024, with Avdiivka being the site of this deployment. While the large majority of engagements with Abrams tanks have occurred around Avdiivka, some of the tanks have been deployed to support a Ukrainian and allied offensive into the Russian Kursk region, which began on August 6. The first of these was confirmed to have been destroyed in the third week of August. 

Russian forces have captured multiple Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks in the past, including both the Leopard 2A4 and the Leopard 2A6 variants. The majority of Leopard 2s, and the majority of Abrams tanks delivered to the country have been captured, disabled or destroyed, with Western states’ ability to replenish these losses remaining limited. The first loss of an Abrams tank was confirmed on February 26, three days after the vehicles were first seen deployed in combat, with multiple subsequent losses following. At least one of these kills was achieved by a Russian T-72B3 tank after the two exchanged fire in the first week of March. After heavy losses in February and March, the Ukrainian Army in late April withdrew its remaining Abrams tanks due to concerns regarding their vulnerability. Losses have nevertheless remained high, with some of the most recent including kills confirmed on July 30, on July 3, and previously in early May, all of which saw the vehicles captured on video being destroyed by guided artillery. A more recent kill on August 11 was filmed being achieved by a drone. With Russia already having access to both Leopard 2A6 and the M1A1 Abrams tanks, many in better conditions than those newly captured, the value of the latest captured vehicles beyond propaganda purposes remains uncertain.