Putin’s ‘Zombie’ T-72 Tank ‘Survives’ Kyiv’s 60 Drone Bombs | Video Shows Dramatic Frontline Battle

In a stunning display of resilience, a Russian T-72B3M tank, dubbed the “Zombie Tank” by Russian media, reportedly withstood an onslaught of up to 60 Ukrainian first-person-view (FPV) drone attacks in the Donetsk region’s Dyleevka area on July 12, 2025. Unverified footage circulating on platforms like X has captured the imagination of military analysts and enthusiasts alike, showcasing a dramatic frontline battle that highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare. This blog delves into the details of this extraordinary event, the tank’s survival, and the broader implications for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The ‘Zombie’ T-72B3M: A Fortress on Tracks

The T-72B3M, an upgraded variant of the Soviet-era T-72 main battle tank, is equipped with enhanced armor, including reactive armor panels and slat cages designed to counter anti-tank munitions. Russian sources, including the Ostashko Telegram channel, claim the tank endured approximately 60 FPV drone strikes—each carrying small explosive payloads—while continuing to operate in the Konstantinovka direction of Donetsk. The tank’s survival has been attributed to its robust defensive modifications, notably a “steel brush” or “cope cage” structure, which disrupts drone impacts and protects critical components.

Posts on X, including one from @RT_com, describe the tank as a “horror movie monster,” emphasizing its ability to shrug off repeated Ukrainian drone attacks. While some sources, like Pravda USA, echo this claim, the exact number of drone hits remains unverified, with earlier posts from @SMO_VZ and @ug_chelsea reporting at least five confirmed strikes. Despite the lack of independent confirmation, the footage—purportedly showing the tank maneuvering through a barrage of explosions—has sparked widespread discussion about Russian tank resilience and Ukrainian drone tactics.

The Battle in Dyleevka: A Drone-Saturated Battlefield

The incident occurred in Dyleevka, a contested area in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, where Russian forces have been pushing against Ukrainian defenses. Ukrainian FPV drones, often modified commercial quadcopters armed with explosives, have become a hallmark of Kyiv’s strategy to counter Russia’s numerical advantage in armored vehicles. These drones, costing as little as a few hundred dollars, can deliver precise strikes, targeting weak points like tank turrets or tracks. In this case, the T-72B3M reportedly sustained multiple hits but continued its mission, earning its “Zombie” moniker for its near-indestructible appearance.

The unverified video, widely shared on social media, shows a T-72 navigating a scarred landscape as small explosions erupt around it, likely from FPV drone impacts. The tank’s ability to remain operational suggests that its crew either repaired minor damage on the move or that the drones failed to penetrate critical systems. This aligns with reports from the broader conflict, where Ukrainian drones have inflicted significant losses—such as the destruction of 11 Russian armored vehicles in Novomykhailivka in 2024—but face challenges against heavily fortified targets.

Ukrainian Drone Warfare: A Game-Changer Facing Limits

Ukraine’s innovative use of drones has reshaped modern warfare, with FPV drones responsible for up to 70% of casualties on both sides, according to Western estimates. The “Spiderweb” operation in June 2025, which saw Ukraine smuggle drones into Russia to strike strategic bombers, demonstrated Kyiv’s ability to execute complex, long-range attacks. However, the T-72B3M’s survival highlights the limitations of FPV drones against upgraded armor. Russian adaptations, like the “steel brush” defenses, are designed to detonate or deflect small drone payloads before they can cause catastrophic damage.

The sheer volume of reported drone strikes—60, if accurate—underscores Ukraine’s reliance on swarm tactics to overwhelm targets. Yet, the failure to disable the T-72 suggests that Russian engineers have made strides in countering these threats, possibly through improved reactive armor or electronic countermeasures that disrupt drone guidance systems. This incident echoes earlier reports of Ukrainian drones struggling against fortified Russian positions, such as in the Kharkiv sector, where tanks and personnel carriers were ambushed but some survived due to mine-resistant designs.

Russian Tank Resilience: Engineering or Exaggeration?

The T-72B3M’s survival has been celebrated by Russian media and pro-war Telegram channels, with outlets like Pravda USA framing it as a triumph of Russian engineering. The tank’s “steel brush” defenses, likely a combination of slat armor and netting, are designed to neutralize small explosive payloads by triggering them prematurely or entangling drones. Similar defensive measures, such as car tires and makeshift shelters, were noted in satellite imagery of Russian airbases after Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” strikes, though these were less effective against larger drones.

Skeptics, however, question the claim of 60 drone hits, suggesting it may be Russian propaganda to boost morale amid heavy losses. For context, Ukraine’s drone attacks have previously devastated Russian assets, including over 40 aircraft in the “Spiderweb” operation, dealing an estimated $2 billion in damage. The T-72B3M’s survival could be a rare success story rather than a new standard, as Russian forces have lost significant numbers of tanks—hundreds in Donetsk alone—due to Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes. Independent verification of the footage and damage assessment is needed to confirm the extent of the tank’s resilience.

Broader Implications for the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The “Zombie Tank” incident highlights the cat-and-mouse game of technological adaptation in the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukraine’s drone innovations have given it an edge in asymmetric warfare, but Russia’s countermeasures, like upgraded tank armor and electronic warfare systems, are narrowing the gap. This dynamic is evident in other theaters, such as Kharkiv, where Russian glide bombs and drones have inflicted heavy casualties, while Ukraine counters with homegrown drone-on-drone tactics and laser weapons.

The event also underscores the psychological dimension of the conflict. Russian media’s portrayal of the T-72 as a “monster” aims to demoralize Ukrainian forces and rally domestic support, especially as Moscow faces setbacks like the loss of strategic bombers. Conversely, Ukraine’s relentless drone attacks, even if not fully successful in this case, demonstrate its ability to sustain pressure on Russian forces, boosting morale despite challenges like manpower shortages and delayed Western aid.

What’s Next?

The T-72B3M’s survival may prompt Ukraine to refine its drone tactics, possibly by developing larger payloads or targeting less armored vehicles. Meanwhile, Russia is likely to double down on defensive upgrades, as seen with its “Rubikon” Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies, which aims to match Ukraine’s drone capabilities. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of Western-supplied weapons, as Ukraine relies on limited stocks to counter Russia’s vast resources.

As the war approaches its fourth year, both sides are locked in a race to innovate. The “Zombie Tank” saga, while dramatic, is a microcosm of this struggle, where small victories—like a tank enduring 60 drone hits—can have outsized symbolic impact but may not shift the broader strategic balance.

Conclusion

The reported survival of a Russian T-72B3M tank against 60 Ukrainian FPV drone strikes in Dyleevka is a testament to the evolving nature of warfare, where defensive engineering meets relentless innovation. While unverified, the dramatic frontline footage has captured global attention, highlighting the resilience of Russian armor and the challenges facing Ukraine’s drone strategy. As both sides adapt, the “Zombie Tank” serves as a stark reminder of the war’s intensity and the critical role of technology in shaping its outcome. For the latest updates, follow credible sources or monitor discussions on platforms like X, but always approach unverified claims with caution.

Disclaimer: The claim of 60 drone hits remains unverified, and details may vary as more evidence emerges. Refer to official statements or reputable outlets like the Kyiv Post or BBC for updates.