The gyro-stablised crane mounted on a car roof is used to give dynamic coverage of car chases and stampedes, allowing the audience to swoop alongside a fast-driving hero.

It is a staple of action blockbusters, including the “Fast and Furious” franchise, “Black Widow”, and pretty much anything starring Tom Cruise.

Up until recently, the device, developed by Kyiv-based Filmotechnic in the 1990s, has been known as the “Russian Arm”. But no more.

“The NEW OFFICIAL name of Filmotechnic’s world-famous system is now U-CRANE in honour of (its) country of origin and their heroic fight against Russian aggression,” the United States branch of the firm said on Instagram last month.

“The gyro stabilised crane system was designed and built in Ukraine by Filmotechnic and will continue to be built in Kiev for years to come!”

Trade magazine “Variety”, which first reported the name change, said Filmotechnic employs around 250 people in under-siege Kyiv.

Kevin Descheemaeker of Filmotechnic USA told the title the name “Russian Arm” had been removed in tribute to Ukrainian film engineer and company owner Anatoliy Kokush, and to the company’s Ukrainian employees.

“I emailed our international group to take down all the signage on our arm cars, trucks, trailers and websites, and to no longer use the hashtag #russianarm,” Descheemaeker said in a statement.

“As a group we decided U-Crane would be a more respectful alternative.”

Russian forces attacked Ukraine three weeks ago, forcing millions of civilians to flee their homes, some across international borders.

The invading forces stand accused of targeting schools, hospitals and theatres, ignoring established rules of conflict that require civilians to be spared the horrors of war.