Russia's new T-14 Armata battle tank debuts in Ukraine - RIA

FILE PHOTO: Russian T-14 Armata tanks drive during the Victory Day Parade in Red Square in Moscow, Russia, June 24, 2020. Host photo agency/Evgeny Biyatov via REUTERS

(Reuters) - 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.