Russian BTR clashes with Ukrainian T‑64 in chaotic skirmish

The conflict in Ukraine is extremely chaotic, and because both sides use similar equipment, identifying "friend or foe" is quite challenging. Generally, the only identifying markers are Ukrainian flags or Z/V signs on vehicles.

Additionally, drone pilots endeavour to assist platoon or company commanders in identifying objects and relay this information to vehicle crews. It is possible that such a situation occurred when the crew of the Ukrainian T-64 tank realised that the vehicle approaching them was Russian.

It is not an MT-LB but some variant of the BTR-80/82 carrier, as the vehicle is too long for an MT-LB and has visible outlines of wheels, not tracks. The Ukrainian T-64 tank fired at it from several dozen metres, resulting in the struck BTR crashing into nearby trees. It is highly probable that the entire crew perished since the 125 mm shell either penetrated completely or exploded inside if it was a fragmentation shell.

T-64 tanks, which debuted in the 1960s, stood out with advanced technology and innovation compared to their predecessors. However, their complex design made production and maintenance difficult in the Soviet Union. This led to the creation of the simpler and cheaper T-72 model. Nonetheless, T-64s were used alongside T-72s in the USSR, although they were never exported.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, T-64s became the foundation of Ukraine's armoured forces. They continued to be produced in Kharkiv, where the Malyshev factory was located. Meanwhile, Russia focused on developing its tanks in the T-72 series.

Over the years, T-64 tanks have been extensively modernised. Starting from the 1980s, when the USSR made modernisations BW, to Ukrainian modifications such as T-64BM Bulat, T-64BW 2017, T-64BM2 Bulat, and T-64BW 2022, which were co-produced by Poland and the Czech Republic.

Ukrainian variants of T-64 tanks are equipped with advanced reactive armour known as "Knife." It surpasses Contact-1 and Contact-5 solutions using shaped charges instead of conventional explosives. This effectively protects against rounds with a single-shaped charge warhead and even kinetic APFSDS-T penetrators. Striking the correct points on the reactive armour can cut them into pieces.

Since 2017, T-64 tanks have been fitted with modern fire control systems featuring thermal cameras. They provide a considerable advantage in combat at night or in adverse weather conditions compared to all T-72 models below the B3 version and T-80 models below the BWM version.

However, it is worth noting that this is still a post-Soviet design with an autoloader whose ammunition magazine is situated in the hull and is not isolated from the crew. Any penetrating hit can cause a massive explosion, possibly leading to a spectacular turret detachment.