Russia's T‑72 tank losses spark strategic shift on the front

In his analysis, Vereker highlighted the fact that in recent months, Russian losses related to T-72s have started to decline sharply. To such an extent that in March, only a few of these machines were documented as lost on the front.

Overall, the invaders continue to lose similar amounts of armoured equipment. However, in the first months of 2025, almost two-thirds of Russian tank losses were attributed to T-80 series machines. T-62 tanks are also being destroyed by Ukrainians much more frequently. In videos from the front appearing online, one could often see both the basic T-62 from the 1960s and the modernized T-62M from the 1980s.

Such statistics, as Vereker emphasizes, indicate that the Russians are replacing T-72s with slightly newer and much older tanks. Interestingly, T-90s are in third place in terms of losses, though they are the newest and best tanks available to Russian units fighting in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin even claimed that T-90 tanks are "the best in the world." The ongoing war has clearly debunked this propaganda, although on the other hand, compared to old Soviet designs, the T-90 performs much better.

The T-72 began service in 1973 and quickly became the most popular tank in the world (Poland also operated several variants). Upon debut, it stood out with very powerful armament (equipped with a 2A46M 125 mm gun and two machine guns) and a relatively light mass, which provided very good mobility. With a 780-horsepower engine, the T-72 tank is able to accelerate to 60 km/h (approximately 37 mph).

Apart from basic T-72s, the defenders' army managed to destroy the most interesting modified variants held by the Russians. For example, the widely spread T-72B, and even the considered very dangerous T-72B3 with Sosna-U sights and improved reactive armour.