The first British and German heavy tanks have arrived in Ukraine, a welcome boost for the country’s armed forces, — inform EuroNews.
Long sort-after by Kyiv, Challenger and Leopard tanks were received just in time for a spring offensive planned by the Ukrainian army.
Whether or not to supply Ukraine with heavy battle tanks was subject to a long debate, with some countries fearing it would escalate the conflict with Russia.
In a Facebook post, Ukrainian Defence Minister Olesksiy Reznikov announced «British Challengers, American Strykers and Cougars and German Marders» have been «added to the Ukrainian units».
It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian Challenger 2 MBT for a spin.
Such tanks, supplied by the United Kingdom, have recently arrived in our country.
These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions.
Thank you, @RishiSunak, @BWallaceMP, and the 🇬🇧 people. pic.twitter.com/zoCRmKdBnN— Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) March 28, 2023
He posted an accompanying photo with the vehicles, without specifying the day they arrived.
Moscow has previously vowed to annihilate all western-made tanks shipped to Ukraine, with a Russian company offering a bounty of $72,000 to the first soldiers who destroy or capture one.
On Monday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Berlin had supplied «very modern» Leopard battle tanks.
Later, his Ministry of Defence said 18 tanks had been delivered.
«Our tanks arrived as promised and punctually in the hands of our Ukrainian friends,» Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement.
«I’m sure they can make a difference on the pitch.»