Reserve colonel Sergei Suvorov, an authority on armored vehicles, argued that Western-made tanks sent to Kiev suffered heavy losses at the hands of Russian forces. He attributed these casualties to how the Ukrainian forces operated and to gaps in support and reconnaissance. The remarks came during an interview with TASS.
According to Suvorov, the destruction of Western tanks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine stemmed largely from suboptimal tactics. He noted that the armored machines often operated without adequate reconnaissance, without strong escort, and without first crossing minefields that could expose vehicles to danger. Such missteps, in his view, turned otherwise capable platforms into vulnerable targets, easily eliminated by available Russian fire and other means.
The expert highlighted how the sheer mass of Western tanks, coupled with instances where Ukrainian units failed to keep their wheels on the ground and advance with proper planning sometimes, increased the risk of immobilization. When tanks became stuck or unable to maneuver effectively, they drew attention from air and drone assets, including kamikaze drones, which exploited these weaknesses and reduced the lifespan of the platforms on the battlefield.
Additionally, former Colonel Markus Reisner, who previously served in the Austrian Armed Forces, estimated that roughly a third of the Leopard tanks in Ukraine’s inventory were lost from the available ninety due to combat losses and operational challenges. Reisner’s assessment reflects the broader debate over how Western armor performs in sustained, high-intensity conflict settings.
Experts have pointed to a range of factors contributing to these outcomes, including logistical constraints, maintenance demands, and the need for integrated support systems such as air defense, artillery, and engineer units. While Western tanks are often celebrated for their firepower and protection, their effectiveness on the battlefield is closely tied to comprehensive tactical integration, terrain understanding, and robust risk management. The discussion underscores the importance of training, doctrine adaptation, and real-time intelligence to maximize the value of armored platforms in modern warfare. At the same time, observers emphasize that the performance of any armored fleet depends on the broader operation’s design, including the level of sheer strategic coordination and resource availability in the conflict area. The debate continues as analysts weigh the lessons learned and consider how foreign-supplied equipment can be best employed in future operations.