Russia's dwindling T‑72 tanks reveal shifting battlefield dynamics

In his analysis, Vereker emphasised that in recent months, Russian losses concerning T-72s have started to decline markedly. To such an extent that in March, only a few of these tanks were documented as lost on the front line.

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

Such statistics, as Vereker notes, indicate that the Russians are replacing T-72s with both slightly newer and significantly older tanks. Interestingly, T-90s are in third place in terms of losses, despite being the newest and most advanced 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 entered service in 1973 and quickly became the world's most popular tank (Poland also operated several variants). Upon its debut, it was notable for its very powerful armament (equipped with a 2A46M 125mm gun and two machine guns) and relatively low weight, which allowed for very good mobility. With a 780-horsepower engine, the T-72 tank is capable of reaching speeds up to 60 km/h.

Alongside basic T-72s, the defending forces managed to destroy the most interesting modified variants held by the Russians. For example, the widely used T-72B, and even the considered very dangerous T-72B3 with Sosna-U sights and improved reactive armour.