![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/Ukrainian-officer-codenamed-Kochevnik-calls-up-Russian-tank-repair-helpline-4989373.jpg?r=1696249612555\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A Ukrainian tank commander has recalled calling up Russian technical support to help fix a vehicle that had in fact been captured. <\/p>\n
The officer who goes by the callsign ‘Kochevnik’ was facing stubborn mechanical problems with the captured Russian T-72B3.<\/p>\n
After coming to a dead end with repairs he decided to try ringing the tank’s manufacturers in Russia for help.<\/p>\n
To Kochevnik’s amazement, the call was answered by an operator who even offered to guide the Ukrainian on how to fix the tank.<\/p>\n
The Ukrainian officers recorded the conversation and later uploaded a video to social media.<\/p>\n
Read More <\/strong> Ben Wallace promises Ukraine victory – but says West must help finish the job<\/strong><\/p>\n The Russian tech support worker who took the call seemed completely unaware that Kochevnik was a Ukrainian Army officer.<\/p>\n When Kochevnik explained how the tank’s turret did not turn without being cranked by hand and oil was leaking from the vehicle, the Russian mechanic even offered to pass on the feedback to the company’s director.<\/p>\n Both sides in the conflict have taken battlefield spoils with many models of tanks and armoured cars featuring similar Soviet-era tech.<\/p>\n Most Ukrainians are familiar with Russian, enough in this case to easily pass off oneself off as a Russian tank crewman for this prank call.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> The incident comes as the conflict entered its 586 days with little movement on the frontlines which have been more or less fixed for months.<\/p>\n A Ukrainian offensive has attempted to push Russian troops back on multiple fronts though there have been only limited signs of a breakthrough.<\/p>\n On Monday, October 2, the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that a mixture of offensive and defensive operations are underway as both sides look to improve positions before the winter cold sets in.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/Ukrainians-refurbish-captured-Russian-military-gear-for-re-use-4989407.jpg?r=1696249612609\")
<\/p>\n
Russian double agent convinces 11 troops to defect to Ukraine in daring mission[INSIGHT] <\/strong>
Russia’s Gazprom sounds alarm after gas production collapses to 45-year low[REPORT] <\/strong>
Putin ‘playing the long game’ as Europe risks turning away from Ukraine[ANALYSIS] <\/strong><\/p>\n