“By sending Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, we are beginning to reach a new level of support provided by the UK. In the coming weeks, a squadron of 14 tanks will be sent to the country,” TASS quoted the official message as saying. .
In addition, the British authorities will deliver to Kyiv about three dozen AS90, large self-propelled howitzers, which are controlled by five gunners.
In the coming days, the training of the Ukrainian military in the handling of the tanks and howitzers that were transferred to them will begin in the United Kingdom. According to the British authorities, a window of opportunity has now been opened in the conflict for greater effectiveness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
As The Guardian previously wrote, a handful of Challenger 2s are planned to be seized from the British Navy, which owns 227 tanks. By itself, this “gift” to Kyiv won’t mean much on the battlefield, but it should set the precedent for at least one Western country agreeing to send its heavy armored vehicles to Ukraine.
At the same time, the British themselves do not support the decision of Prime Minister Rish Sunak to transfer a tank squadron to Ukraine. According to Daily Mail readers, the Ukrainian conflict is not a UK problem and should be kept out “if we don’t want World War III.”
