In a recent escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian forces have reportedly taken out a Russian UR-77 "Meteorit" minesweeper in eastern Ukraine, according to a video released by Ukraine's 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade. The footage, shared on Tuesday, shows Ukrainian first person view (FPV) drones targeting the Russian mine-clearing vehicle near Avdiivka in Donetsk.

The video starts with a Ukrainian drone locating the minesweeper and then shows an uncrewed aerial vehicle heading directly towards the Russian equipment. The first-person view clip ends with a dramatic explosion, indicating the destruction of the minesweeper.

It is worth noting that the authenticity and timing of the video could not be independently verified. Newsweek has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry for comment regarding the incident.

The UR-77 "Meteorit" minesweeper is a Soviet-era vehicle equipped with a launcher and two mine-clearing line charges. These charges create a shock wave that neutralizes mines and shells, offering protection to Russian forces during operations. According to the U.S. military, Ukraine has reportedly destroyed or captured 33 UR-77 minesweepers between February 2022 and October 2023.

In recent years, Ukraine has become one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. This poses a significant threat to Ukrainian troops involved in clearing territories, as well as hindering the progress of Ukraine's counteroffensive operations.

The fighting around Avdiivka has intensified in recent weeks following a major offensive launched by Russian troops. Capturing Avdiivka would be a strategic and symbolic victory for Russia, allowing for better defense against future Ukrainian operations and reducing the risk of artillery shelling on Russian-held territory. However, Avdiivka has long served as a Ukrainian stronghold accustomed to Russian pressure.

Ukraine's General Staff reported that Russia is actively attempting to encircle the town. The Ukrainian military stated that their forces are successfully holding the defensive line and inflicting significant losses on the enemy. In the previous 24 hours, Ukraine recorded approximately 20 Russian attacks in the Avdiivka area.

While the Russian Defense Ministry's latest update did not mention Avdiivka, it did report that 330 Ukrainian fighters were killed in the fighting around Donetsk and southern Donetsk in the previous 24 hours.

The destruction of the UR-77 "Meteorit" minesweeper marks another milestone in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. With both sides showing no signs of backing down, the situation remains highly volatile and poses a threat to regional stability. The international community continues to closely monitor developments in the region as efforts for a peaceful resolution persist.