British tanks enter Russian territory
2024-08-16
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According to Sky News and the BBC on August 15 local time, a British source confirmed that the British Challenger 2 main battle tank had crossed the border into Russia and participated in Ukraine's offensive on Russia's Kursk.
It is believed to be the first time that British tanks driven by Ukrainian soldiers have fought on Russian territory.
"Challenger 2" tank data map Sky News
Sky News noted that details of how and when the Ukrainian army will deploy Challenger 2 tanks in Russia's Kursk region are still unclear, as is the number of tanks that may be involved.
The UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the details of the operation but told Sky News that policy had not changed. The Ukrainian armed forces also declined to comment.
Reports indicate that the British government has confirmed that Ukraine can use British weapons on Russian territory.
After Ukraine invaded Russian territory, the British government reiterated that Ukraine has the right to use weapons provided by the UK to "defend itself against Russia's unlawful attack."
A British spokesman added that this also applies to Ukrainian military operations within Russia.
Sky News quoted a report from the British "Times" on the 14th local time as saying that former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace revealed that during his tenure, he allowed Ukraine to use "any weapons provided by the UK" to attack targets within Russia, except for the "Storm Shadow" cruise missile.
He suggested the same rule applies to Ukraine's actions in Kursk, Russia.
It is reported that the UK agreed to provide Ukraine with 14 Challenger 2 tanks in January 2023. In September of the same year, a Challenger 2 tank was destroyed in Ukraine, which was the first time a Challenger 2 tank was destroyed in combat.
Source | Observer.com
