British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed to Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski that he is sending a consignment of Challenger 2 tanks as military aid against the Russian invasion of the country.
The UK thus becomes the first Western power to supply Kiev with front-line battle tanks, a highlight in the history of military aid to Ukraine despite fears within NATO that Russia may see the decision as an escalation of the war.
In a phone call on Saturday, Sunak confirmed the intention to «intensify British support to Ukraine, including through the supply of additional Challenger 2 tanks and artillery systems.»
The prime minister and President Zelenski «welcomed» other international commitments in this regard, including Poland’s offer to provide a company of Leopard tanks.
Although the Downing Street statement does not specify the exact number of tanks, Government sources had previously informed the tabloid ‘The Sun’ that there was an intention to send at least four tanks «immediately» and «eight more in the near future».
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
