Ukraine's 'Frankenstein' tank: Ingenuity amid adversity
The Ukrainian armed forces have crafted a tank from parts of destroyed Russian vehicles, dubbed "Frankenstein." The first images of this machine have surfaced online. In the face of the aggressor's equipment superiority, such innovations are invaluable. Nevertheless, Russia still maintains the initiative on the front line.
The Ukrainian armed forces have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by building a tank from components salvaged from destroyed Russian vehicles. The vehicle, called "Frankenstein," is a testament to the innovation and adaptability of Ukrainians in the face of enemy superiority.
New Ukrainian armed forces tank. Here's "Frankenstein"
This tank, under the command of the 12th Azov Special Purpose Brigade, is assembled from elements of various sources. The turret and gun are from a Russian T-90M, and the hull is bolstered with dynamic armour and side shields resembling the T-80BVM.
As "Fakt" reminds us, since the commencement of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian defenders have destroyed or captured 122 T-90M tanks. These modern machines, once boasted by the Russian president as the "best in the world," now serve in the Ukrainian arsenal.
The resulting hybrids incorporate elements from various tank models, such as the T-72B3, T-72B1, and T-62. This approach allows for the use of functional parts to construct combat-ready vehicles to send to the front. A key aspect is also the use of reactive armour, which enhances protection against older types of anti-tank weapons, giving these tanks additional combat value.
Ukrainians more willing to concede land. Will Russians prolong the war?
The war with Russia has been ongoing for nearly three years. Unfortunately, in recent months, the aggressor has decidedly taken the initiative on the front. By gaining more land, Vladimir Putin seeks a stronger negotiating position at any potential peace talks. Russia benefits from its numerical superiority in troops and equipment. The domestic context is also critical - by claiming more Ukrainian land, Putin can portray the "special military operation" as a success. Regrettably, although Ukrainians strive to win the technological race on the front, their resources are significantly more limited.
It's unsurprising that, according to PAP citing research by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, the percentage of Ukrainian respondents willing to accept territorial concessions in exchange for ending the war with Russia is increasing. It has risen from 32 to 38 per cent. However, Russia is uninterested in peace, as everything is seemingly in its favour. Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Counteracting Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, remarked that Russia is accumulating and distributing resources to enable it to conduct the war in Ukraine until 2027.
