The column was supposed to advance behind the mine clearing tank to the treeline. Then disembark the infantry to dig in, while providing covering fire.

Once the infantry was dug in they could retreat to provide indirect fire support for an infantry assault.

The ukranians screwed up the plan, by spotting the column early and hitting them hard with accurate artillery fire. It looks like they knocked out one of the armor the middle of the column stalling the rest of the vehicles behind it.

These stalled vehicles kicked out the infantry early and attempted to retreat without providing covering fire. Leaving the infantry in the open and exposed to some nasty airburst rounds.

I would say that most of the fault for the loss in life was the mine clearing tank. It should have swung back around followed it's course. Creating a 2 lane clearing that following armor could turn around in and retreat around the damaged equipment picking up survivors.