UPDATE: Russian state media has just released a provocative video showing a captured US-made armored vehicle in Ukraine, raising alarms about ongoing peace negotiations. The footage, published on August 18, 2025, features what appears to be a US M113 armored personnel carrier flying both Russian and American flags near the front lines in Zaporizhzhia.
The video, aired by RT, claims the vehicle was “captured” from Ukrainian forces, underscoring Russia’s brazen propaganda tactics amid a complex geopolitical landscape. This unusual display has drawn sharp criticism from Ukrainian officials, who argue it exemplifies Russia’s contempt for peace efforts.
In a clear attempt to manipulate narratives, the video suggests that a US vehicle adorned with both flags is a “sign of the times,” intended to showcase Russia’s perceived strength. The US Department of Defense has supplied over 900 M113s to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict in February 2022. However, open-source intelligence reports indicate that at least 397 of these vehicles have been destroyed, damaged, or captured by Russian forces.
The release of this footage follows a significant diplomatic summit just days prior, where President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. This meeting aimed to address the ongoing conflict, which has now continued for over three years. Although no immediate agreements were reached, Russia has framed the summit as a pivotal moment in overcoming its international isolation.
Former US Army officer Dan Rice criticized the Russian narrative, asserting that the Kremlin’s portrayal of the summit is misleading. “It’s the US attempting to end a war started by a madman with nuclear weapons. The US and the West will never be normalized again with Putin,” he stated.
Ukrainian government officials have condemned the RT footage, with Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, describing it as a “maximum audacity” act of propaganda. The Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security remarked on social media that Russia is “trolling peace efforts” by showcasing captured American flags alongside their own.
As tensions escalate, the White House has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the video or its implications on diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, President Trump is preparing to host a meeting with President Zelenskyy and other European leaders on Monday, aimed at discussing potential resolutions to the conflict.
It remains uncertain what concessions Zelenskyy may consider, especially after Trump suggested Ukraine relinquish its efforts to retake Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Such proposals could significantly shift the landscape of ongoing negotiations, as Ukraine has consistently rejected calls to cede territory.
This unfolding situation highlights the urgent need for clarity and progress in the peace talks. As the conflict continues to take a human toll, the world watches closely to see how these developments may reshape future relations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story as further details emerge.
