Ukraine to get ‘double’ the number of Challenger 2 tanks than Britain originally promised
Ukraine will get ‘twice’ as many Challenger 2 tanks as Britain originally promised ‘as a result of Zelensky’s visit’, Ukrainian ambassador claims
- Vadym Prystaiko made the comments during a radio interview.
- The MoD says there are currently no plans to increase the number
Ukraine is set to receive “double” the number of Challenger 2 tanks Britain originally promised to send, according to Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK.
Vadym Prystaiko has said Britain will double the original 14 tanks that were to be sent to help Ukraine fight Russia following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the UK in February.
The ambassador’s comments were given during an interview with European broadcaster radio freedom.
Prystaiko said: “We were promised 14 tanks, and as a result of President Zelensky’s visit, it was agreed that this number will double.”
A Challenger II tank is seen at a military installation in the UK.
Ukraine’s ambassador, Vadym Prystaiko, has said the UK will “double” the number of Challenger 2 tanks it was originally going to send.
Describing the moment when Britain originally promised to send the tanks, he called it a “breakthrough” as it was “needed to move the reluctance of all the other allies”.
Prystaiko also explained that the UK has offered more than double military training efforts through 2023 as the war in Ukraine continues.
He also claimed that Britain will offer 30 heavy weapons to the front.
The Defense Ministry said there are currently no plans to increase the number of tanks above the agreed number of 14, although the Defense Secretary earlier said Britain was willing to extend this.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace previously said Britain was open to expanding the number of tanks being sent to Ukraine.