Ukrainian tank crews brush up on training during their down time

ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine

Ukrainian tank units stationed at the front amid the Russia-Ukraine war take part in combat training when they are not on duty.

Great importance is attached to the combat readiness of the Ukrainian army's tank units operating on the front lines in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, where intense conflicts continue.

The active and highly effective use of tanks in areas where heavy weapons such as artillery and mortars are used by the armies of Russia and Ukraine is a priority.

Tank units under the command of various brigades of the Ukrainian army, which have recently received increased support from Western countries, continue to support operations carried out by ground forces by continuing intense combat activities along various parts of the front.

The importance of tracked vehicles is increasing with the continuation of military operations in areas that turn into mud due to the rainy and cold weather that prevails throughout the region after winter.

Due to the deep mud along most of the front line between Russian and Ukrainian forces, it is only possible for the army to move with the help of tanks, tracked armored vehicles, personnel carriers and off-road vehicles.

"The tank plays an important role in the battles on the ground at the front. One of its functions is to support the infantry. Also, the tank is like an artillery system, since we can shoot up to 10 kilometers. The tank is a universal weapon," a tank company commander using the codename Iskra told Anadolu in Zaporizhzhia.

Noting that the tank is a powerful, effective and extremely important tool, Iskra said he has been on duty in various regions where conflicts have taken place for months.

"My year will be completed soon. I am at the front to protect my country's lands," he said.

Iskra said that when they are not in combat, they are trying to increase their ability to use tanks through training.

"When we are on the front line, we carry out our war activities. When we are not on the front, we often undergo training. That's our job. We don't have any free time," he added.

*Writing by Burc Eruygur in Istanbul