The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has confirmed to the Ukrainian President, Volodimir Zelenski, the dispatch of a consignment of Challenger 2 tanks as military aid against the Russian invasion of the country; a decision protested by the Russian Embassy in the UK as a further step towards an escalation of the conflict.
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 of spiraling hostilities.
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».
In response, the Ukrainian president has applauded the decision and thanked «the always forceful support of the United Kingdom, which has now become impenetrable».
«Decisions like this not only strengthen us on the battlefield, but also send the right signal to other allies,» he added, referring to countries such as Poland, which is contemplating sending Leopard 2 tanks.
The head of the presidential office, Andrei Yermak, also applauded the shipment: «Thank you for providing us with a new defense package to fight the enemy. This is an important contribution to the defense of freedom and democracy in Europe,» he let it be known, like Zelenski, via his Twitter account.
By cons, the Russian Embassy has regretted the decision. «UK seems to intend to reaffirm its status as a NATO leader in terms of arming Kiev and escalating the conflict,» it protested.
«Those Britons who are tired of war and harbor a desire for peace are in for a disappointment today: you cannot put out a fire with gasoline,» Russia warns.
«The presence of tanks in the conflict zone,» it adds, «will only serve to intensify combat operations, which will generate more casualties, including among the civilian population.» The embassy believes that, this situation, «ironically, is entirely in line with London’s objectives of prolonging the conflict.»
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
