Putin’s Disinformation Campaign Distorts Reality: Here’s How

by Maya Carlin, Warrior Contributor, Weapons

Ukraine since January has been anticipating the arrival of Western main battle tanks pledged by the U.S. and other NATO member-states. 

American M1 Abrams tanks are on their way, while British Challengers and German Leopard 2s are now rolling toward the frontlines of the fight against Russian invaders.

Considering the abysmal performance of Russia’s own MBTs, the Kremlin is worried. In fact, some experts estimate that Moscow has lost over half of its modern tank fleet. Its forces have recently put to use antiquated Soviet-era MBTs in an attempt to address Russia’s shortages.

As Ukraine’s counteroffensive plays out, Moscow will do whatever it can to discredit the Western tanks in Kyiv’s arsenal — and to take them out.

Russia Fears Western Tanks

Russia is so desperate to diminish Ukraine’s tank arsenal that it has offered high bounties to soldiers who destroy or capture Western MBTs. 

According to Reuters, a Russian company disclosed that it would offer around $72,000 in cash to soldiers who fulfill this task. While Moscow claims to have taken out hundreds of advanced Western tanks, the Kremlin often exaggerates military claims.