Russia is reportedly resorting to sending outdated tanks from the 1960s to the frontline in Ukraine, reflecting a growing shortage of modern military equipment. A video posted by a Ukrainian Telegram channel shows a large train convoy of obsolete T-62MV and T-62M tanks, originally manufactured between 1961 and 1975, being transported to the front. The exact location of the convoy and the origin of the footage remain unknown.
According to the Telegram channel, the convoy included up to 70 of these Soviet-era tanks. Once they arrive at the front, these relics will be retrofitted into so-called “tank sheds” for single-use operations. Ukrainian intelligence believes the Russian military intends to use the old tanks in desperate and reckless ways, potentially sacrificing crews in what they describe as suicide missions. Another aim is to force Ukrainian forces to waste valuable ammunition on what is essentially scrap metal.
The strategy reflects a troubling disregard for the lives of Russian soldiers and a growing logistical crisis within Russia’s war machine. It also exposes how the Kremlin is relying on quantity over quality, pushing outdated hardware and poorly trained troops into combat.
While Russia turns to relics, Ukraine continues to strengthen its defences at sea. Ukrainian patrol boats are actively ensuring safety in the Black Sea, particularly around Odessa. These boats, including former US Coast Guard vessels, patrol day and night to secure sea lanes for cargo ships and counter both air and naval threats.
One such patrol commander, Denys from Odessa, has served at sea for three and a half years. He uses a U2M3 anti-aircraft system to shoot down drones, including Iranian-made Shahed drones. Despite the danger, he feels safer at sea than in the city, supported by radar-guided targeting from his commanding officer.
Meanwhile, UK intelligence reports that Russia has suffered close to 950,000 casualties since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Already in the first four months of 2025, an estimated 160,000 Russian personnel have been killed or wounded. If this trend continues, 2025 could become the costliest year for Russia in terms of human loss.
The Kremlin, desperate to maintain its offensive, has begun recruiting over 1,500 foreign nationals from Asia, Africa and former Soviet republics. These recruits are being enticed by financial incentives, with many lured into signing contracts. At the same time, Russia’s dictator has ordered the conscription of 160,000 young men between 18 and 30 years of age.
Despite throwing numbers at the battlefield, Russia’s inability to launch complex operations or gain significant ground is becoming clear. From September to December 2024, Russian forces captured just under 3,000 square kilometres at the appalling cost of nearly 175,000 lives – an average of 59 casualties per square kilometre.
