Russian paratroopers from the 83rd Air Assault Brigade have captured a Ukrainian M-113 armored personnel carrier (APC) during clashes near the Kursk border. The vehicle, reportedly supplied by the United States, was marked with symbols resembling those used by Nazi forces during World War II.
The seized APC, now part of the brigade's collection of war trophies, was found bearing the Balkenkreuz insignia, historically associated with the German Wehrmacht. The Russian military shared images of the vehicle on social media, emphasizing the use of such symbols by Ukrainian forces.
In a statement, the brigade described the capture as a significant achievement, adding, "This trophy from the so-called 'mistake country' should not exist." The reference to Ukraine as a "mistake country" reflects ongoing tensions and rhetoric between the two nations.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of accusations and counter-accusations between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Earlier reports from the region alleged that Ukrainian troops had committed atrocities against civilians, including torture and sexual violence, in liberated villages. These claims have been labeled as "genocide" and "crimes against humanity" by Russian officials.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have been accused of adopting symbols and tactics reminiscent of Nazi Germany, further fueling the propaganda war between the two sides. The use of such imagery has drawn sharp criticism from Russian authorities and media.
