--- title: "Ukraine Accuses Russia of Using Inflatable “Dummy Tanks,” Which Deflated" description: "Ukraine has accused Russian forces of making use of \"rubber\" inflatable tanks near the country's embattled Zaporizhzhia region, which have since deflated." date: "2023-01-30" modified: "2023-01-30" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/ukraine-accuses-russia-inflatable-dummy-tanks-deflated" categories: - "Robots and Machines" tags: - "Russia" - "tanks" - "the digest" - "ukraine" --- # Ukraine Accuses Russia of Using Inflatable “Dummy Tanks,” Which Deflated ![Ukraine has accused Russian forces of making use of "rubber" inflatable tanks near the country's embattled Zaporizhzhia region, which have since deflated.]() *\Image: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine\* ## Deflated Egos Ukraine has accused Russian forces of making use of "rubber" inflatable tanks near the country's embattled Zaporizhzhia region in Eastern Ukraine, [*Insider* reports]() — which have since deflated, it says. The news comes after Ukraine's western allies including Germany, the US, and the UK [announced]() they would send modern tanks to the embattled nation. But until these reinforcements arrive, the Ukrainian army has to [rely on Soviet-era tanks]() to hold the line. But whether they're dealing with a real threat is still up for debate. Ukrainian forces are saying Russia is using inflatable "dummy tanks," a battlefield invention that has been around [since World War 1]() that both Russia [and the US]() have made extensive use of over the years. "At the time when our partners are coordinating the supply of tanks to Ukraine, the invading army is also increasing the presence of 'tank units' in the Zaporizhzhia area," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote in a [Facebook post](), as translated by *Insider*. ## Weak Rubber The post was accompanied by satellite images that appear to show deflated Russian "tanks" lying flat on the ground, dispelling the illusion. "Apparently, the free air of the Cossack region is not suitable for the 'rubber' products of the occupiers, so they deflate without fulfilling their main mission," the post reads. "Just like the inflated bravado of the Russian army." It's not only Russia that has been deploying decoy weaponry. Ukraine [used fake wooden rocket launchers]() to lure Russia into using up missiles. In short, the use of misinformation isn't just limited to digital propaganda. Soldiers are relying on century-old tactics to confuse and mislead the enemy — but only to varying degrees of success. **READ MORE:** [Ukraine says Russia's putting inflatable tanks on the battlefield — but the decoys deflated]() \[*Insider*\] **More on Ukraine:** *[Elon Musk Warns "Civilization Is Over" If Ukraine Doesn't Give in to Russia]()* ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()