British tanks have been used in Ukraine’s devastating offensive inside Russia.
It is the first time British tanks – operated by Ukrainian soldiers – have been used in combat on Putin’s territory.
Ukraine‘s 82nd Air Assault Brigade – which has been taking part in the daring Kursk offensive – has been operating the British Army’s main battle tanks.
The UK became the first Western nation to give Ukraine some of its tanks, when it gifted Kyiv 14 Challenger 2 tanks in January 2023. Germany and the United States then followed suit with their versions.
One of the British tanks was destroyed on operations inside Ukraine last September – the first time the Challenger 2 had been destroyed in active combat.
And Russian bloggers were on Thursday claiming that another of the war machines had been struck by a drone as it raced through Kursk Oblast.
The Ministry of Defence is not confirming whether British tanks have been used in the Kursk offensive.
But a MoD spokesperson said of UK weapons gifted to Ukraine: “There has been no change in UK government policy, 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.”
The policy means anti-tank missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and other weapons donated by the UK to Ukraine‘s war effort could soon be seen on the battlefield in Russia.
Storm Shadow missiles will however remain off limits for use beyond Ukraine‘s borders.
Downing Street has previously insisted these long-range missiles are only to be used for conflict within Ukraine.
Ukrainian troops appear to be gaining more territory within the Kursk region in recent days, while other neighbouring Russian states along Ukraine‘s border have declared a state of emergency in response.
The offensive is believed to be the largest of its kind by a foreign army on Russian soil since the Second World War.