UK Send One Challenger Tank Squadron 2: The Russian Embassy Calls To Be A Sah Target, Veterans Say Many Trainings Need

English Challenger 2 Tank. (Wikimedia Commons/MOD/Cpl Kellie Williams RLC)

JAKARTA - The UK's decision to send a squadron of the Main Combat Tank (MBT) Challenger 2 was enthusiastically welcomed by the President of Ukraine, as Russia played down the meaning of support by saying it would not change war while British veterans reminded intense training.

Neglecting criticism from the Russian Embassy in London, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Office announced late Saturday that Britain would send its 14 main combat tanks along with additional artillery support, 30 self-propelled US units to Ukraine, which is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

Britain will also start training Ukrainian troops to use tanks and weapons in the coming days.

"As Ukrainians approach their second year living under Russia's relentless bombing, the Prime Minister is dedicated to ensuring Ukraine wins this war," a prime minister's spokesman said in a statement.

"Together with his closest military adviser, he has analyzed the military picture, seen the strategic impact of Britain's support and identified a window in which he said Britain and its allies could have maximum impact," the statement continued.

The announcement follows a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier on Saturday, in which PM Sunak outlined Britain's ambition to intensify support to Ukraine, including through the provision of Challenger 2 Tanks and additional artillery systems.

Sunak's office said earlier this week Britain would coordinate its support with allies after Germany, France, and the United States all indicated last week they would provide armored vehicles to Ukraine.

The office also said the Secretary of Defense would inform British parliament with details of security support on Monday.

Challenger 2 is a combat tank designed to attack other tanks, and has been operating with the British Army since 1994. The tanks have been deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq, according to the army.

"Prime Minister and President Zelensky welcome other international commitments in this regard, including Poland's offer to provide a company of Leopard tanks," a Sunak spokesman said.

Separately, President Zelensky in his evening video speech published before Britain's detailed announcement, called the expected assistance "important" for Ukraine's defense.

"This is really needed. And I believe, similar decisions will still be made by other partners, those who understand why such crimes cannot be given a single chance," he said.

In response to this, Russia, through the Embassy in London, said tank deliveries would only result in an increase in escalation, not changing the situation in the warring and only increasing the number of casualties.

"Taking tanks into conflict zones, far from ending hostilities, will only intensify combat operations, resulting in more casualties, including among civilians," the Russian Embassy said in a statement, citing TASS.

"However, ironically, this is in full accordance with London's goal of extending the conflict. Therefore, the official rhetoric of the war and the thorough abandonment of the idea, voiced by Russia on several occasions, to use negotiated settlements," the statement continued.

"In short, we are witnessing more evidence of insulting British authorities to the lives of Ukrainian ordinary citizens, as well as their continued direct involvement in the conflict," the press release said.

"As for Tank Challenger 2, they will not help the Ukrainian military turn things around on the ground. But they will be a legitimate large-scale target for Russian troops," the statement added.

Last week, veteran top British military officers warned of the need for intensive training to drive and control the Challenger 2 Tank, if it was given to Ukraine, while commenting on the tank delivery plan.

Retired Air-Vice Marshal Royal Air Force (RAF) Sean Bell told Sky News, it takes a complex and long-standing crew training for the tank to be effective

"They are packed full of electronic equipment, laser injectors, night vision glasses, targeting computers, it will require a lot of training," he explained.

Bell said Russia was actually the largest donor tank to Ukraine, "because they had left the tank on the battlefield".

"And of course, the advantages are that Ukraine and Russia use the same tanks, they use the same parts. They can go straight in and start operating," he said.