Ukraine Destroys Captured US-Made M113 Used by Russian Troops in Donetsk Region

Russian forces deployed captured American-made M113 armored personnel carriers during an attempted assault on the village of Hryshyne in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, Ukrainian sources reported on February 3.

According to Ukrainian volunteer Serhii Sternenko, video footage shows two M113s and one infantry fighting vehicle advancing under the cover of dense fog, allowing Russian troops to approach the settlement undetected.

The incident occurred near the front line along the Pokrovsk axis, where Ukrainian drone units remain highly active.

One of the M113 vehicles was destroyed by operators from the Panama drone unit of Ukraine’s 1st Separate Territorial Defense Brigade named after Ivan Bohun. The other reportedly withdrew. The infantry fighting vehicle was also hit, and at least five Russian soldiers were eliminated during the operation.

While Russian units have made repeated incursions into Hryshyne, Ukrainian drone teams have prevented them from maintaining a foothold. Moscow’s forces have established temporary positions in tree lines around the village, but sustained resistance from UAV operators has thwarted occupation efforts.

The M113 armored personnel carrier, originally developed by the United States, has been supplied to Ukraine by multiple international donors since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The tracked vehicle has been widely used in various battlefield roles across the country.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

How Much Has Russia Spent on the War in Ukraine, and Can They Keep It Up?

Feb 02, 2026 12:39

Given the intensity of combat and the high density of drones on the battlefield, M113 vehicles are frequently damaged or abandoned. In some cases, it is not feasible to recover them, allowing Russian forces to capture and repurpose the platforms.

Ukraine operates numerous variants of the M113, integrated into both offensive and defensive missions.

Earlier on February 3, Ukrainian forces deployed a Leopard 2 tank to eliminate Russian infantry that had entrenched themselves on the eastern outskirts of Hryshyne following a failed assault. According to Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Response Corps, the Russian troops attempted to use residential structures to move into Ukrainian rear positions but were detected and destroyed.

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters risk their lives to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support keeps them safe, equipped, and reporting.

SUPPORT FRONTLINE REPORTS