Russia has begun using its new T-14 Armata battle tanks to fire on Ukrainian positions 'but they have not yet participated in direct assault operations,' the RIA state news agency reported on Tuesday, quoting a source close the matter.
RIA said that the tanks have been fitted with extra protection on their flanks and crews have undergone 'combat coordination' at training grounds in Ukraine.
The T-14 tank has an unmanned turret, with crew remotely controlling the armaments from 'an isolated armoured capsule located in the front of the hull'.