This is the first time this type of tank has been used in combat on Russian territory.
The reports did not say how many tanks were used by Ukraine in its offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, which began on August 6. The UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on what kind of weapons Ukraine was using but stressed that operations inside Russian territory were not ruled out when providing arms to Kiev.
Ukraine has sent troops and armored vehicles into the Kursk region, capturing several villages in the most serious offensive on Russian soil since World War II. The Russian government has said it will send more troops to protect nearby border areas.
Former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said that during his tenure he had allowed Ukraine to attack targets inside Russia with weapons supplied by the UK. He said it was “entirely reasonable” for Ukraine to use UK weapons to attack Moscow’s infrastructure.
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Ukraine has made headlines with a historic and unprecedented move: deploying British tanks in a bold offensive on Russian territory, marking the first time this type of tank has been used in combat within Russia’s borders. The attack, which began on August 6, 2024, in Russia’s Kursk region, is the most significant incursion on Russian soil since World War II. Ukrainian troops and armored vehicles captured several villages, demonstrating Kyiv’s growing military capabilities and its willingness to extend the conflict beyond its borders.
The exact number of tanks used by Ukraine in this offensive remains unclear, as reports have not provided specific details. The UK Ministry of Defence has remained tight-lipped about the type of weapons being used but has not ruled out the possibility of operations inside Russian territory. This stance reflects a broader strategic shift, where Western allies, including the UK, appear increasingly supportive of Ukraine’s right to defend itself, even if it means targeting Russian infrastructure.
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Former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed that during his tenure, he authorized Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with UK-supplied weapons, deeming it “entirely reasonable” for Ukraine to use these resources to defend against Russian aggression. This decision underscores the deepening involvement of Western nations in the conflict and raises questions about the potential escalation of hostilities.
The Russian government has responded by announcing plans to deploy additional troops to protect its border areas. The situation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with the use of British tanks on Russian soil symbolizing a new phase in the war that could have far-reaching consequences for the region and the world.