Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. A record-breaking heatwave across much of Europe and into Ukraine is adding to the difficulties faced by Ukrainian soldiers, particularly those operating Soviet-era tanks in high temperatures. Troops in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region said the heat inside their vehicles has become especially severe.
Heatwave affects battlefield conditions
Blistering temperatures across Europe have disrupted power generation, damaged infrastructure and strained healthcare systems. In Ukraine, the heat has also created additional challenges on the battlefield.
“The vehicle gets very hot after completing its mission. The temperature inside can become really hot,” the chief sergeant of the tank battalion of the 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade, using the call sign “Sympatiaha”, told Reuters on Sunday.
Older tanks lack cooling systems
He said Soviet-era tanks used by Ukrainian forces do not have the cooling systems found in some Western-supplied models.
“Unlike the Abrams, Challenger and Leopard tanks (supplied by) Western partners, this has no air conditioning,” he said.
The Soviet-era T-72 battle tanks can weigh between 41 and 45 tons, making them prone to trapping heat under summer conditions.
Temperatures expected to rise further
In a secluded, leafy area of the Zaporizhzhia region, servicemen from the unit sat atop their tank and poured water from a bottle onto their faces to cool down.
Temperatures in the region were around 30 degrees Celsius over the weekend and were forecast to rise to about 36 C by Tuesday.
Troops say they remain in position
Despite the conditions, the crew said they remained focused on preventing Russian troops from advancing.
“Despite the harsh weather conditions – scorching heat now, freezing temperatures and mud in winter – we’re still holding the line,” Sympatiaha said.
