Ukrainian troops blow up their Kozak-2 before retreating from Severodonetsk | Ukraine 2022

Because who needs vehicles in a warzone? Destroying vehicles could have unintended consequences for civilians in the city. It could lead to further destruction and casualties among the civilian population, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The destruction of military vehicles during a withdrawal may be a result of strategic blunders or poor decision-making. Destroying vehicles would create logistical challenges for the Ukraine Armed Forces. It would be difficult to transport troops, equipment, and supplies without vehicles, which could hamper their ability to continue fighting or to evacuate personnel.

The Kozak is a Ukrainian armored personnel carrier with a V-hull designed to transport personnel and various loads. On June 24, 2022, Ukraine announced that it would withdraw its forces from Severodonetsk, the eastern city that was heavily targeted in Russia's war effort. The regional governor, Serhiy Haidai, stated that the city had been heavily shelled by Russian Armed Forces for 4 months, and it made no sense to keep fighters in such a compromised position.