British Challenger 2 tanks had been thought to have been utilized in Ukraine’s shock incursion into Russia.
It got here after the Authorities confirmed Kiev was free to make use of UK weapons in its offensive in Kursk area.
A UK supply mentioned the battle tanks had been deployed by Ukrainian troops, as first reported by Sky Information.
The Ministry of Protection (MoD) refused to touch upon “operational” issues.
It mentioned there had been no change in coverage for the reason that inexperienced gentle was given for UK weapons for use on Russian soil as a part of Kiev’s self-defense.
The one exception is Britain’s highly effective Storm Shadow missiles, which stay off limits past Ukraine’s borders.
The 82nd Air Assault Brigade, which has been working UK tanks since final 12 months, has been concerned within the ongoing incursion.
Battle-torn Ukraine has launched a shock counter-offensive in opposition to Vladimir Putin’s Russia in current weeks with the obvious goal of diverting Moscow’s forces away from land they’ve invaded.
READ ALSO: Russian military concedes Ukraine advances in Kursk offensive
The newest flip within the battle has sparked considerations a few wider escalation of tensions between Russia and the West.
However the MoD has mentioned Ukraine has a “clear proper’’ to make use of weapons donated by the UK for its self-defense, and “that doesn’t preclude operations inside Russia”.
The coverage means anti-tank missiles, artillery, armored automobiles and different weapons donated by the UK to Kyiv’s conflict effort may quickly be seen on the battlefield in Russia.
However Downing Road has beforehand insisted that the long-range Storm Shadow missiles had been solely for use for battle inside Ukraine.
Ukrainian troops gave the impression to be gaining extra territory throughout the Kursk area in current days whereas different neighboring Russian states alongside Ukraine’s border have declared a state of emergency in response.
The offensive is believed to be the biggest of its form by a overseas military on Russian soil for the reason that Second World Battle.
