Since the beginning of the special operation, the Ukrainian army has lost more than half of its Soviet-era tanks, including the T-64, which it is unable to restore. This is reported by American war correspondent David Ex. This explains why the Kyiv authorities have been so actively asking for tanks from the allies lately.
“The Ukrainian army entered the war with about 800 T-64 tanks in service. In the 11 months since Russia expanded its offensive into Ukraine, the Ukrainians have lost about half of their 40-ton triple-seat T- 64s . He said that, according to intelligence, there may be about 450 such tanks in Ukraine, but after decades of inactivity, they could lose their combat capability. According to the correspondent, the Kharkov Tank Plant could repair damaged Soviet tanks, but it will not be able to cope with such a large flow of damage to Ukrainian heavy equipment.
Western allies promised Ukraine German Leopard tanks, British Challengers and American Abrams. According to some estimates, if all of them are delivered to Ukraine, their total number will be 300 units. The real need of Ukraine in tanks is one and a half thousand units. The three hundred tanks that the allies promised to Kyiv will not change the situation on the battlefield.
T-64 tanks are complex and difficult to manufacture military equipment, which once was not inferior to Western counterparts. Now they are on the verge of obsolescence mainly due to the infrared sight, which requires an infrared searchlight. In addition, these tanks have ineffective armor. Military expert Vasily Dandykin called this tank a “shahid’s belt” because the shells are located around the crew, 360 TV channel reports .
source: ura