UK government responds to Ukraine's use of Challenger 2 tanks in Kursk Region

The UK authorities have decided to be more transparent about the use of weapons provided to Ukraine during the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ offensive in Russia’s Kursk region. This includes the deployment of Challenger 2 tanks.

This was stated in an article published the previous day in The Sunday Times.

The article notes that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey are seeking to persuade key allies to do more to support Ukraine.

«There won’t be shying away from the idea of British weapons being used in Russia as part of Ukraine’s defence. We don’t want any uncertainty or nervousness over Britain’s support at this critical moment and a half-hearted or uncertain response might have indicated that. We should be proud that we’ve donated kit that is helping Ukraine in their defence», — an unnamed British government source told reporters.

Starmer also requested the National Security Council to develop plans for broader support to Ukraine. This includes not only military aid but also industrial, economic, and diplomatic support.

According to Radio Liberty, the only British weapon that cannot be used in Russia is the Storm Shadow cruise missile. The report notes that the British Prime Minister has publicly supported allowing the missile to be used in Russia. However, since the missile is a joint project, it also requires approval from the United States and France.

Meanwhile, The Sunday Times reports that Ukraine is using not only British Challenger 2 tanks but also drones in its offensive in the Kursk region. The first footage of these tanks in the Kursk region appeared on 13 August.

As a reminder, the Ministry of Defence of Canada has stated that Ukraine can freely use the tanks and armored vehicles provided to it in Russia. Canada has provided Ukraine with eight Leopard 2A4 tanks and several dozen armored combat vehicles. Ukraine also received hundreds of armored patrol vehicles, and several M777 howitzers.