Unique Soviet WWII Tank Recovered From River In Southern Russia

Specialists in southern Russia have recovered a unique Soviet T-34 tank that sank in the Don River during World War II.

The 30-ton tank is the only surviving one of its type that was produced at the Stalingrad Tractor Factory in what is now the city of Volgograd.

Experts say all of the T-34 tanks produced at that factory were destroyed in battles against Nazi Germany during the early years of World War II.

Evidence suggests the tank was moving along a pontoon bridge when it fell into the river, probably during the summer of 1942.

Sunken pontoons, transport vehicles, and other small vessels were also found close to the tank, which was resting on the riverbed at a depth of seven meters near the village of Ukrainskaya Builovka in the Voronezh Region.

Restoration expert Anatoly Kalemberg said the tank was in good condition and that it would be possible to restore it to running order.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax