Britain to send 14 of its main battle tanks to Ukraine



LONDON, Jan 14 () - Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office stated late on Saturday that Britain might ship 14 of its important struggle tanks along side greater artillery aid to Ukraine, dismissing complaint from the Russian Embassy in London.

A squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks will circulate into the usa in the coming weeks and round 30 self-propelled AS90 weapons, operated through 5 gunners, are predicted to look at, the British high minister's place of business stated in a statement.

The UK may also begin training Ukrainian forces to apply the tanks and weapons within the coming days.

"As the people of Ukraine technique their 2d yr residing beneath relentless Russian bombardment, the Prime Minister is devoted to making sure Ukraine wins this battle," a spokesperson for the high minister stated in a assertion.

"Alongside his closest navy advisors, he has analysed the military image, checked out the strategic effect of the United Kingdom’s manual and recognized a window wherein he thinks the UK and its allies may also have maximum impact."

The announcement follows a cellphone name with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in advance on Saturday throughout which, Sunak "mentioned the United Kingdom's ambition to heighten our help to Ukraine, which includes thru the deliver of Challenger 2 tanks and extra artillery structures."

Sunak's office stated in advance this week that Britain may coordinate its guide with allies after Germany, France and the United States all indicated remaining week they could offer armoured vehicles to Ukraine.

[1/4] British Sergeant Steve Guy (L) and Corporal Andy Porter hold be cautious of a Challenger 2 tank from the 2d Royal Tank Regiment on patrol in southern Iraq, April 2, 2003. REUTERS/HO/Angus Beaton/File Photo

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The place of business also stated that the defence minister may update the British parliament with details of the security assist on Monday.

The Russian Embassy in London stated the choice to ship the tanks may want to drag out the war of words, result in greater sufferers such as civilians, and was evidence of "the increasingly obvious involvement of London within the warfare".

"As for the Challenger 2 tanks, they're no longer in all likelihood to assist the Armed Forces of Ukraine flip the tide on the battlefield, but they'll turn out to be a legitimate large aim for the Russian artillery," the embassy stated, in step with feedback said by way of using the TASS news business enterprise.

The Challenger 2 is a war tank desed to assault extraordinary tanks, and has been in issuer with the British Army for the motive that 1994. It has been deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq, steady with the navy.

"The top minister and President Zelenskiy welcomed special global commitments in this vein, which includes Poland's provide to offer a company of Leopard tanks," Sunak's spokesperson said.

Zelenskiy, in his nightly video cope with published earlier than the centered British announcement, known as the anticipated help "essential" for Ukraine's defence.

"It's surely what is wanted," Zelenskiy stated. "And I don't forget that similar picks will although be made with the aid of manner of various companions – folks who recognize why such evil can't take delivery of a single hazard."

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