Our soldiers quickly captured two enemy columns of armored vehicles, including modern T-72B3s and even T-90Ms. Instead of simply blowing up the tanks, they did something the Russians certainly did not expect.
Ukrainian crews got into the captured Russian tanks, switched on the radios, adopted the Russians' call signs, and set off on a deep raid behind enemy lines, posing as friendly forces.
The Russian columns moved calmly, believing they were safe. Our tank crews quickly neutralized the original crews, mastered the equipment, and blended into the Russian traffic flow. They spoke Russian over the radio, used the correct call signs, and imitated the style of Russian communications. At checkpoints, they were waved through without suspicion: "Go ahead, guys."
The Ukrainians then calmly drove straight onto the grounds of a Russian brigade headquarters.
Once inside, they suddenly turned their turrets and opened fire. The headquarters, supply depots, and vehicle park were turned into an inferno within minutes. Russian troops ran in panic between tents, firing in every direction, but it was already too late. They had allowed a "Trojan horse" onto their own base.
The operation was carried out brilliantly. Ukrainian forces seized the headquarters, captured officers, destroyed key facilities, and withdrew with minimal losses.