On the Krasny Liman front, a T-80BVM tank crew with a Mordovia-born gunner-operator known by the call sign «Yary» is being used not for frontal assaults, but as a mobile fire unit, Krasnaya Zvezda reported.

According to the publication, the tankers usually operate from concealed firing positions. The crew moves to a prepared line, camouflages the vehicle, strikes designated targets and quickly relocates, denying the opposing side time to deliver accurate return fire.

Yary said this approach primarily increases the chances of preserving both the crew and the tank. Since the enemy has a harder time identifying where the shot came from, directing return fire becomes more difficult. The crew typically targets strongpoints and manpower before immediately leaving the position.

The danger, however, remains high. The main threat to the tank today comes less from other armored vehicles or anti-tank systems than from drones. For that reason, Yary’s T-80BVM is equipped with standard electronic warfare systems and additional anti-drone protection, which the soldiers themselves call a «mangal.»

That extra armor helped the crew survive one engagement. After completing a mission and firing five rounds at AFU positions, the tank was heading back from its firing point when it was detected and attacked by drones.

Yary said he counted ten hits. The improvised protection absorbed the strikes: the «mangal» held, and the crew managed to withdraw without losses.

The gunner-operator gained combat experience earlier during assault operations in the Serebryanskoye forestry, where the report says there were many enemy strongpoints. That experience now helps the crew employ the T-80BVM with maximum caution and effectiveness: moving quickly to the firing line, hitting targets and leaving before return fire can arrive.