Britain to send 14 of its main battle tanks, more weaponry to Ukraine

LONDON — Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s workplace mentioned late on Saturday that Britain would send 14 of its main battle tanks together with further artillery help to Ukraine, disregarding criticism from the Russian Embassy in London.

A squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks will go into the nation within the coming weeks and round 30 self-propelled AS90 weapons, operated by 5 gunners, are anticipated to observe, the British prime minister’s workplace mentioned in a press release.

The UK can even start coaching Ukrainian forces to use the tanks and weapons within the coming days.

“As the people of Ukraine approach their second year living under relentless Russian bombardment, the Prime Minister is dedicated to ensuring Ukraine wins this war,” a spokesperson for the prime minister mentioned in a press release.

“Alongside his closest military advisors, he has analyzed the military picture, looked at the strategic impact of the UK’s support and identified a window where he thinks the UK and its allies can have maximum impact.”

The announcement follows a telephone name with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier on Saturday throughout which, Mr. Sunak “outlined the UK’s ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine, including through the provision of Challenger 2 tanks and additional artillery systems.”

Mr. Sunak’s workplace mentioned earlier this week that Britain would coordinate its help with allies after Germany, France and the US all indicated final week they would supply armored automobiles to Ukraine.

The workplace additionally mentioned that the protection minister would replace the British parliament with particulars of the safety help on Monday.

The Russian Embassy in London mentioned the choice to send the tanks would drag out the confrontation, lead to more victims together with civilians, and was proof of (*14*).

“As for the Challenger 2 tanks, they are unlikely to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine turn the tide on the battlefield, but they will become a legitimate large target for the Russian artillery,” the embassy mentioned, in accordance to feedback cited by the TASS information company.

The Challenger 2 is a battle tank designed to assault different tanks, and has been in service with the British Military since 1994. It has been deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq, in accordance to the military.

“The prime minister and President Zelensky welcomed other international commitments in this vein, including Poland’s offer to provide a company of Leopard tanks,” Mr. Sunak’s spokesperson mentioned.

Mr. Zelensky, in his nightly video handle printed earlier than the detailed British announcement, referred to as the anticipated assist “important” for Ukraine’s protection.

“It’s really what is needed,” Mr. Zelensky mentioned. “And I believe that similar decisions will still be made by other partners — those who understand why such evil cannot be given a single chance.” — Reuters

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