Britain is to send Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine to bolster the war effort against invading Russian forces.
Additional artillery support is also to be sent by the UK to help the Kyiv government in the face of Kremlin aggression.
The announcement comes after Sky News exclusively revealed the UK planned to supply Ukraine with British tanks for the first time.
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The move makes the UK the first Western power to supply the Ukrainians with main battle tanks.
British government insiders said the decision must be made now to ensure Ukrainian soldiers can be trained in the use of advanced combat vehicles ahead of the impending spring offensive.
Ministers hope this announcement will encourage other allies to follow suit.
Following a call between Rishi Sunak and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky On Saturday, a Number 10 spokesman said the two leaders had agreed on the “need to seize this moment” after Ukrainian victories had “repelled Russian troops”.
The spokesperson added: “The Prime Minister underlined the UK’s ambition to step up our support to Ukraine, including through the provision of additional Challenger 2 tanks and artillery systems.
“The Prime Minister has stressed that he and the whole of the British government will work intensively with international partners to quickly provide the kind of support that will allow Ukraine to assert its advantage, win this war and secure a peace. sustainable.”
Mr Zelenskyy tweeted: “The UK’s ever-strong support is now impenetrable and ready to meet the challenges. In a conversation with the Prime Minister, I gave thanks for the decisions which will not only strengthen us on the spot of battle, but will also send the right signal to other partners.”
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Labor Defense Secretary John Healey said: “Modern tanks are essential to Ukraine’s efforts to win its battle against Russian aggression.
“The government has the fullest support of Labor for military assistance to Ukraine.
“But ministers must move beyond ad hoc announcements and establish a plan for military, economic and diplomatic support through 2023 and beyond.
“As the first anniversary of the Russian invasion approaches, this will help reassure Ukrainians that Britain will support them for as long as it takes and send a signal to Putin that things are going to get worse and not get worse. improve for Russia.”
combat power
Earlier this week, Western officials warned that Ukraine would not be able to retake significant territory from Russia without an increase in combat power, including tanks and other heavy armour.
The United States has pledged 50 Bradley anti-tank armored vehicles as part of its biggest military assistance package to date for Ukraine.
Germany also announced that it would provide around 40 Marder armored personnel carriers, and France promised wheeled AMX-10 RC tank destroyers.
Ukraine has long requested the mass-produced Leopard II tanks in Germany, used by several European allies, including Germany, Poland, Finland, the Netherlands and Spain.
Warsaw and Helsinki have already signaled their willingness to supply their Leopard tanks to Kyiv, but this requires approval from Berlin as Germany holds the export license.
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Last year, the UK sent 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Poland as part of a deal to help Ukraine by freeing up capacity in Warsaw to supply its Soviet-era T-72 tanks to Kyiv. .
In service since 1994, the Challenger 2 tank weighs 62.5 tons and is armed with a 120 mm rifled gun and a 7.62 mm chain gun.
