By In a fascinating turn of events, a Ukrainian military officer, operating under the callsign ‘Kochevnik,’ has claimed an audacious feat – managing to obtain tech support from Russia for a captured tank. The tank in question, a Russian T-72B3, had encountered significant mechanical issues, prompting the resourceful officer to reach out to none other than the tank’s manufacturer, Uralvagonzavod.
In a surprising twist, a representative from Uralvagonzavod answered the call and proceeded to offer advice and assistance to Kochevnik over the phone. The officer, who later shared a video of the conversation on social media, detailed the tank’s critical problems: oil leakage, malfunctioning compressors, and a faulty turret rotation mechanism, necessitating manual rotation using a hand crank.
Amidst the troubleshooting, the Russian representative, identified as Aleksander Anatolevich, was unaware of Kochevnik’s Ukrainian military affiliation. He pledged to relay the reported issues to the tank’s designers, displaying a commitment to resolving the technical challenges faced by the captured tank.
In an unexpected development, Aleksander Anatolevich managed to connect Kochevnik with Andrey Abakumov, the director of the company. Abakumov expressed interest in gathering more detailed information and urged Kochevnik to share the specifics through a WhatsApp message. It was at this juncture that Kochevnik revealed his true identity as a member of Ukraine’s army, involved in the capture of the tank last year.
The conclusion of the call was marked by a triumphant laughter from Kochevnik, underscoring the daring nature of the interaction. Ukraine has successfully captured approximately 200 of Russia’s T-72B3 tanks, a newer model posing a challenge due to the limited experience of Ukraine’s military in handling them.
Earlier this year, as a demonstration of strength and resilience, Ukraine’s military showcased captured and destroyed Russian tanks in a public parade through Kyiv, the capital. The spectacle, held in the lead-up to the country’s second wartime Independence Day, featured charred remains and wreckage of armoured combat vehicles, creating a symbolic display and invoking a sense of unity and determination among the populace.
Residents in central Kyiv expressed support for the display of the wrecked Russian hardware, hoping it would bolster the fighting spirit of Ukrainians in these trying times, emphasizing the enduring spirit and determination of the Ukrainian people.
