Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Russia criticize the decision English who will deliver the first heavy tank to Ukraine. The Red Bear Country thought that the shipment would only make the war more intense.
“Bringing tanks into the conflict zone means the battle is far from over, will only make combat operations more intense, increasing casualties, including among civilians,” the Russian Embassy in Britain said in a statement. AFP.
The Russian Embassy released this statement shortly after Britain announced it would send heavy tanks to Ukraine.
“The Prime Minister stated the UK’s ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine, including with the delivery of Challenger 2 tanks and additional artillery systems,” said a spokesman for the British government, Saturday (14/1), as reported by AFP.
The spokesperson did not further disclose the number of tanks that would be sent to Ukraine.
But earlier, several media reported that Sunak was preparing to send four tanks in the first stage. He is also reported to have prepared another eight tanks for further delivery.
With this decision, Britain will become the first Western country to deliver main battle tanks to the country.
Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine’s allied countries have only dared to send over 300 modernized Soviet tanks. Most recently, France only sent the AMX-10 RC light tank.
They held back even though the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has repeatedly asked Western countries to send heavy tanks.
Now, Sunak and the British government also welcome a number of countries that have expressed their intention to help Ukraine with tanks, including Poland.
“The prime minister emphasized that he and the rest of the UK government will work intensively with international partners to deliver support that will enable Ukraine to maintain momentum, win the war and secure peace.”
In response to this announcement, Zelensky stated that, “This decision will not only strengthen us [Ukraina] on the battlefield, but also sends the right signal to the other comrades.”
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