Detained By Russia, Ukrainian Modified T-64 Tank Is Loaded With NATO Technology: There Is Night Vision To Thermal Imaging Cameras

Ilustrasi Tank T-64 Ukraina. (Wikimedia Commons/Ministry of Defense of Ukraine)

JAKARTA - Russia has again obtained 'proof of support' for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) against Ukraine, after successfully detaining a combat vehicle belonging to Ukraine.

In a statement Friday, the Ministry of Defense said Ukraine was upgrading its tanks to NATO standards, after successfully detaining one of the Kyiv tanks near Chernigov.

"Russian forces seized the combat vehicle, a fully operational T-64 tank that was abandoned by the Ukrainian armed forces on the outskirts of Chernigov and is now being examined by Russian military specialists," the ministry said in a statement, quoted from TASS, April 2.

"Compared to basic combat vehicles, this tank is equipped with night vision, thermal imaging cameras, and observation instruments, as well as with NATO standard communication and navigation devices," the ministry said.

The ministry added that the tank with full ammunition was left in a hurry by the Ukrainian army, as Russian troops approached.

It is known that the United States, NATO, and a number of countries have sent military assistance to Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Recently, the US Ministry of Defense officially increased security assistance of up to 300 million US dollars to Kyiv by the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). The assistance was in the form of military equipment.

Reporting from the official website of the Ministry of Defense, citing Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby, the US will provide security assistance of up to $300 million to increase Ukraine's ability to defend itself. This decision underscores the United States' commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in support of its heroic efforts against Russia.

The military tools that were sent were:

• Laser-guided rocket system;
• Switchblade Tactical Unmanned Aerial System;
• Puma Unmanned Aerial System;
• Counter-Unmanned Aerial System;
• Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Vehicle;
• Small to large caliber non-standard ammunition;
• Night vision device, thermal and optical image systems;
• Secure tactical communications systems;
• Non-standard machine guns;
• Commercial satellite imagery services;
• Medical equipment, field equipment, and spare parts.

The United States has now provided more than $2.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the inception of the Biden administration, including more than $1.6 billion in security assistance since Russia's planned and unprovoked invasion.

The United States also continues to work with the Allies and partners to identify and provide additional capabilities to Ukraine.