With changing weather, Russians began using armored vehicles more actively. Depending on their tasks, they equip them with various additional protections.

This was reported to ArmyInform by the Phoenix Main Department of Unmanned Aerial Systems of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

“In the second half of February, the enemy somewhat increased the activity of its heavy armored vehicles, particularly in Donetsk region.

Our Phoenix pilots observed isolated raids of individual armored vehicles in their areas of responsibility on the Toretsk and Pokrovsk directions”, — the unit noted.

Earlier, ArmyInform published a video showing Phoenix pilots destroying two Russian tanks on the Toretsk direction.

Interestingly, the armored vehicles had different types of protection and, judging by everything, different tasks.

“We note in this case an attempt at ‘reconnaissance by combat’ with two tanks, although we have also encountered MT-LBs, APCs, BMPs.

In the video, we see a pair of tanks performing reconnaissance by combat. One of them is disguised with a white camouflage net to blend into the snow. It follows at some distance behind the first tank, which has more welded-on protection — chains, rods, nets.

We can conclude that the enemy tried to distract the UAV operators of the Defense Forces with the first tank, while the second under its cover was supposed to perform another function, likely delivering personnel to positions.

However, the enemy failed to execute its plan, and both tanks were destroyed. As seen, Phoenix pilots first immobilized the vehicles, then systematically worked on both tanks until they were completely burned. It was crucial for us to destroy the equipment so no one could use it again”, — the unit said.

Phoenix links this enemy activity to weather changes: warmer conditions made the ground less passable for vehicles such as cars, ATVs, or motorcycles.

However, the need for logistics missions remained, so Russians began using armored vehicles that had been accumulating over winter months.

“We wouldn’t call this a new tactic. It is more a correction to current conditions. Nothing new — we saw the same a year ago.

After this small surge in activity, we expect another stall: once the ground dries and weather improves, more maneuverable means — ATVs, motorcycles, electric scooters — will be used again”, — Phoenix noted.