The UK intends to transfer 12 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. According to British information resources, the UK intends to transfer a batch of 12 Challenger 2 heavy tanks to Ukraine.
It is planned to form one tank company from this number, and two more tanks can be used to strengthen motorized rifle units. However, in Ukraine, the transfer of such a small number of tanks was perceived as a mockery.
Initially, it was assumed that the UK intended to transfer about 30 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine; however, it was decided to limit the number of such heavy combat vehicles. At the same time, London has not officially confirmed the number of Challenger 2 tanks transferred to Ukraine.
This does not exclude the possibility that the number of combat vehicles transferred may differ from the number announced in the media.
Experts note that even if the UK transfers three dozen Challenger 2 heavy tanks to Ukraine, which are not inferior to the Russian T-90M Proryv in their characteristics, this is unlikely to change the situation on the territory of Ukraine seriously.
“Ukraine needs hundreds of tanks, and Kyiv understands that even with ten Polish Leopards, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will not get any advantage.”
Finland denied the transfer of 100 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
Ukraine will be able to get only a few dozen Leopard 2 tanks from Finland. Finnish President Sauli Niinistö ruled out the transfer to Ukraine of all Leopard 2A4 tanks stored in the country.
According to the Finnish President, due to the fact that Finland is a neighbor of Russia and is not yet part of NATO, the transfer of all tanks to Ukraine is an impossible step, and therefore the supply will be limited.
At the same time, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö said that the supply of tanks to Ukraine would be possible only if a joint European project was created to supply weapons to Ukraine. Otherwise, Finland would not transfer tanks.
“If a joint European project to assist Ukraine is created, then Finland’s contribution will also be required. However, the number of tanks transferred cannot be large since Finland borders Russia and is not yet a NATO member state., – said Finnish President Sauli Niinistö.
According to experts, Finland can provide Ukraine with about 30 Leopard 2 tanks. However, delivery dates are extremely uncertain – this is unlikely to happen before spring.