The United Kingdom will send Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine to aid in the fight against the invading Russian soldiers.
UK will also provide further artillery support to the Ukrainian government in response to Kremlin aggression.
The United Kingdom was considering supplying Ukraine with British tanks for the first time.
In doing so, the United Kingdom becomes the first Western country to provide the Ukrainians with main combat tanks.
The decision must be decided immediately, according to government officials, so that Ukrainian soldiers may be trained in their usage before an imminent spring offensive.
Ministers hope that the statement will inspire further allies to follow suit.
Following a phone chat between Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, a representative for Number 10 stated that the two leaders agreed on the “need to seize this opportunity” after Ukrainian forces “pushed back Russian soldiers.”
The representative added: “The prime minister reiterated the United Kingdom’s intention to increase its support for Ukraine, including the delivery of Challenger 2 tanks and other artillery systems.
“The prime minister emphasized that he and the entire government of the United Kingdom will work closely with international allies to promptly give the type of support that will enable Ukraine to exploit its advantage, win this war, and ensure a permanent peace,”
Modern tanks are vital.
Mr. Zelenskyy tweeted: “Always robust British support is now impregnable and ready for challenges. In a conversation with the prime minister, I expressed my appreciation for the actions that will not only reinforce us on the battlefield but also send the proper signal to other allies.”
John Healey, the shadow defense secretary for Labour, stated: “Modern tanks are crucial to Ukraine’s efforts to defeat Russian aggression.
“Labour fully supports the government’s military assistance to Ukraine.
“However, ministers must go beyond ad hoc pronouncements and outline a plan for military, economic, and diplomatic support beyond 2023.
“As the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches, this will reassure Ukrainians that Britain will stand with them for as long as it takes and send a message to Putin that the situation will only worsen, not improve.”
Fighting ability
Western officials cautioned earlier this week that Ukraine would be unable to reclaim significant territory from Russia without a boost in fighting force, including tanks and other heavy weaponry.
The United States has pledged fifty Bradley tank-killing armored vehicles to Ukraine as part of its largest military assistance package to date.
Germany also claimed it would provide approximately forty Marder armored personnel carriers, while France promised AMX-10 RC tank destroyers on wheels.
