Russia threatens to 'burn' Britain's Challenger 2 tanks sent to Ukraine

16 January 2023, 14:12 | Updated: 16 January 2023, 19:55

Challenger 2s are on the way to Ukraine
Challenger 2s are on the way to Ukraine. Picture: Alamy

By Will Taylor

Russia has threatened to "burn" British Challenger 2 tanks sent to Ukraine as part of the UK's latest package of military aid.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The Kremlin has reacted with fury as Western nations ramp up their support for Kyiv, dispatching a range of armoured vehicles.

Britain has agreed to dispatch 15 Challenger 2s – well-protected tanks that may only make up a squadron but could convince other nations with bigger stocks of armour to send some to Ukraine.

In a typically bellicose fashion, the Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "They are using this country as a tool to achieve their anti-Russian goals.

"These tanks are burning and will burn just like the rest."

Russia has tried to write off the latest tranche of Western support – including the US's gift of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles – as cannon fodder to be blown up.

A squadron of Challenger 2s will help Ukraine take on the Russians
A squadron of Challenger 2s will help Ukraine take on the Russians. Picture: Alamy

However, they have often struggled to target vital equipment, including Himars, an advanced missile launcher that can strike at long distances. Russia has made them a priority target but struggled to attack them.

Russia itself as lost scores of tanks, with the lighter-armoured and older Soviet vehicles falling victim to Ukrainian attacks.

Several videos throughout the war have shown catastrophic explosions where the ammunition detonates beneath the turret, sending it flying into the air and incinerating the occupants.

Read more: UK to send Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine to 'push Russian troops back'

Downing Street said it was confident Ukraine would use the tanks well based on how well they have used previously-gifted kit.

"We believe that a long and static war only serves to benefit Russia. That's why we are surging our military support," Rishi Sunak's spokesman said.

"The Prime Minister and ministers are speaking to our allies across the world in the following days and weeks to ramp up the pressure on Putin and to secure a better future for Ukraine."

A package of three batteries of AS-90 self-propelled howitzers is also being sent - a batch of eight followed by two more batteries are due.

Challenger 2s are regarded as among the best-protected tanks in the world. They saw action during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

They have not been upgraded as much as other Nato tanks like the US Abrams or German Leopard 2s but are still among the most formidable fighting vehicles in the world.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Britain's help would "not only strengthen us on the battlefield, but also send the right signal to other partners".

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

WHSmith is closing 17 stores

WHSmith brand set to vanish from British high streets after 230 years as firms place bids on all 500 stores

Rachel Reeves has said the UK won't choose between Ukraine and the US

'We won't choose between Zelenskyy and Trump,' Chancellor tells LBC - as she vows UK is 'fully behind' Ukraine

File photo of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy

Pills found next to body of Gene Hackman's wife are 'significant', police say, as mystery of couple's deaths deepens

Seven Sisters Road

Three teenage girls arrested after Bolivian man, 75, killed in north London, as murder probe launched

Zelenskyy calls for US 'to stand more firmly by Ukraine's side', ahead of talks with Starmer and King Charles.

Zelenskyy calls for US 'to stand more firmly by Ukraine's side', ahead of talks with Starmer and King Charles

Ukraine needs Starmer and other European leaders to help 'heal the wound' between Trump and Zelenskyy, the country's former Prime Minister has said

Ukraine relying on Starmer to 'heal wound' between Zelenskyy and Trump, country's ex-PM says after 'catastrophe'

Keir Starmer is facing calls to rescind an invitation for a state visit to Donald Trump

Calls for UK to retract Trump state visit invite after Zelenskyy row, as SNP says Starmer 'needs to get off his knees'

President Donald J Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office

'Ukraine should not be forgotten': Defiant Zelenskyy refuses to back down after White House row with Trump

President Donald Trump, center, greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, at the White House, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

'He fought like a lion': Ukrainians rally round Zelenskyy after heated White House row with Trump

Exclusive
Putin is likely to have been emboldened by the argument

‘Putin is the only winner of Trump-Zelenskyy row’, Ukrainian MP tells LBC - as Kremlin openly celebrates spat

Foster has been jailed for the scams

Brookside star jailed after scamming aspiring models out of £13.6 million with fake agency

Starmer's efforts to broker peace have been thrown into disarray

Trump and Zelenskyy's row throws Starmer and Europe into disarray ahead of crunch weekend of Ukraine talks

Trump and Zelenskyy clashed on Friday

Zelenskyy refuses to apologise to Trump after White House fight - as US president accuses him of not wanting peace

**FILE PHOTO** Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Found Dead In Santa Fe Home. Gene Hackman And Wife Betsy Arakawa January 1989 Credit: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch

'Last event' logged on Gene Hackman's pacemaker may hold key to actor's death

Trump and Zelenskyy clashed on Friday evening

Trump accuses Zelenskyy of 'gambling with World War Three' as Starmer backs Ukraine following White House clash

KYIV, UKRAINE - 16 January 2025 - UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv, Ukraine -

Starmer expresses 'unwavering support for Ukraine' as he speaks with Trump and Zelenskyy following White House clash