Russian military destroys top tank in Ukraine.

Russia has reportedly destroyed one of Ukraine's most advanced tanks, the M1 Abrams, near the city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region. According to footage circulating on pro-war Telegram channels, the armoured vehicle can be seen engulfed in flames. This tank was one of the 31 tanks that were sent to Ukraine by Joe Biden in 2022, as boasted by military bloggers.

While Ukraine's military is yet to comment on these claims, it would be the first time that a vehicle of this capability has been destroyed since the start of the full-scale invasion. Russian news outlet Mash reported that "The first one went. The famous American M1 Abrams was shot down in the Avdiivka direction." Prior to this, the tank was reportedly seen in Berdychi, which is only a mile away from Russian positions in the Donetsk region.

As smoke rose from the burning tank, it reminded many of a promise made by Russian actor Ivan Okhlobystin a year ago. He had vowed to pay £86,000 for the destruction of any Western tank. In a social media post, he claimed that a large Russian business had authorized him to announce a bonus of 10 million roubles for each Abrams tank destroyed, though he did not specify the business. Russian news outlet Moskovsky Komsomolets reported that "The first Abrams near Avdiivka was burned by the Black Hussars of the Brave group. Soldiers of the 15th brigade hit the tank with a kamikaze drone and finished it off with a grenade launcher."

The Kremlin's top propagandist, Solovyov Live Telegram channel, even released a video of the burning tank as evidence. This incident occurred as Russian soldiers captured the Ukrainian village of Lastochkyne, which is about five kilometers northwest of Avdiivka. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed this on Monday. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military had announced their retreat from the eastern village, stating that it would help them better contain the westward advance of Russian soldiers.

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