Russia claims drone strike on Ukrainian tank in Kursk

KURSK, RUSSIA (RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2024) (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT - ‘RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY / HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS, DO NOT OBSCURE LOGO----) The Russian Defense Ministry released a video on Monday (September 23) reportedly showing the destruction of a Ukrainian tank by a missile from Inokhodets drone in Kursk. The Inokhodets, also known as Orion, is a medium-altitude long-endurance drone developed by the Russian Kronstadt Group. It can operate for up to 24 hours with a standard payload of 60 kilograms, although it has the capacity to carry a maximum of 200 kilograms of armament. The drone can reach speeds of 200 kilometers per hour and operate at altitudes of up to 7,500 meters. Kyiv's offensive in the Kursk region began on the night of Aug. 6, when Ukrainian forces entered the region near Sudzha, located about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the border. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of carrying out a “large-scale provocation” and “indiscriminate shooting,” describing the incursion as a “terrorist attack.” Days later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted it was an “operation” by Ukraine’s troops, specifying that the goal is to create a “buffer zone” against cross-border attacks by Russia. The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing since February 2022. (Footage by Russian Defense Ministry/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)