[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The United Kingdom has decided to send several main battle tanks, the 'Challenger 2,' along with additional artillery weapon systems to Ukraine.
On the 14th (local time), the UK Prime Minister's Office announced that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to strengthen support for Ukraine during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Prime Minister's Office stated that Sunak and President Zelensky agreed on the need to capitalize on the current situation where Russia's military strength and morale are deteriorating due to Ukraine's successive victories. With this move, the UK became the first Western country to provide main battle tanks to Ukraine.
The two leaders also emphasized that the entire world must accelerate military and diplomatic support for Ukraine, welcoming Poland's offer to provide German-made heavy tanks, the 'Leopard 2.'
Earlier, Polish President Andrzej Duda announced plans to supply 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and requested approval from Germany, the manufacturer of the Leopard 2.
Prime Minister Sunak stressed close cooperation with the international community to provide swift support so that Ukraine can win this war and secure lasting peace.
The UK Prime Minister's Office did not disclose how many tanks would be delivered to Ukraine or when, but foreign media estimated the number to be 12.
Meanwhile, before the UK Prime Minister's Office announcement, Ukrainian authorities reported that Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, experienced its first missile attack since the beginning of the year that morning, targeting infrastructure and other facilities.
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