First use of British Challenger 2 tanks in Russian territory
British-made Challenger 2 tanks have appeared in Kursk Oblast. According to their sources, Sky News reports that the Ukrainian army used British machines during the offensive on Russian territory.
On Thursday, Sky News, citing its sources, revealed that during the offensive operation in Kursk Oblast, the Ukrainian armed forces are using Challenger 2 tanks, which the United Kingdom supplied. This is the first time British tanks have been used on Russian territory.
Sky News has not obtained information on the number of Challenger 2 tanks involved or the extent of their use. However, it was emphasized that they were handed over to the 82nd Air Assault Brigade, which most likely participated in the offensive.
The station asked both the Ukrainian side and the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom for a comment on this matter but did not receive a clear response. The British government reiterated its previously expressed position on Ukraine's use of British-made weapons for attacks inside Russia.
Ukrainians used British tanks in the offensive on Kursk Oblast
A ministry spokesperson noted that "Under Article 51 of the UN Charter Ukraine has a clear right of self-defence against Russia's illegal attacks, that does not preclude operations inside Russia. We make clear during the gifting process that equipment is to be used in line with international law."
At the beginning of 2023, the United Kingdom pledged to supply Ukraine with 14 Challenger 2 tanks, which prompted similar gestures from Germany and the United States. Last year, one of these tanks was destroyed during combat, marking the first such loss of a Challenger 2 tank on the battlefield.
On 6 August, a large group of Ukrainian armed forces entered Kursk Oblast, surprising even Ukraine's Western allies. They currently control an area of about 1,000 square kilometres, which is the first incident since World War II where foreign troops occupy a portion of Russian territory.
