Support truly
independent journalism
Support Now
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
British tanks have been used by Ukrainian troops in their cross-border assault into Russia just over a week ago, The Independent understands.
British Challenger 2 tanks were used during the shock Ukrainian incursion, according to a UK source, in the first time they have been rolled out on Russian territory.
The UK agreed to give Ukraine 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks in January 2023 in a move that prompted Germany and the United States to follow suit with their versions.
The Ministry of Defence told The Independent Ukraine has a “clear right of self-defence against Russia’s illegal attacks, that does not preclude operations inside Russia.”
Ukraine’s powerful 82nd Air Assault Brigade has been operating the British tanks since last year and is confirmed to have been taking part in the Kursk offensive.
It comes as new satellite images from Maxar show Russian troops have been forced to build a series of field fortifications - including trenches and anti-vehicle ditches - north of Ukraine’s advance.
Key Points
- British tanks used in Russia incursion
- Fortifications show Putin ‘concerned’ about advance
- Russia orders evacuation of thousands from Kursk region
- Ukraine hits Russian airfields in drone attack
- Mapped: Ukraine’s cross-border attack
Ukraine says it has set up a military office in occupied Kursk region
Ukraine’s top commander says Kyiv has set up a military commandant’s office in the occupied Kursk region of Russia.
Oleksandr Syrskyi said Ukrainian forces have taken up to 1.5km (0.93 miles) of territory in the region in the last 24 hours - and are still advancing.
Mr Syrskyi told Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a video published by the Ukrainian leader that Kyiv’s forces had advanced 35km (21.7 miles) into the Kursk region since launching its attack last week.
Alexander Butler15 August 2024 13:43 1723723231The Ukraine incursion has called Putin’s bluff – and rightly damaged his reputation
The Ukraine incursion has got Russia – and Putin – running scared
Editorial: The usual tactics of denial and obfuscation will not work this time, as the country finds itself occupied for the first time since the Second World War
Alexander Butler15 August 2024 13:00 1723721431Ukraine is ‘provoking and poking’ Russia to use nuclear weapons, Russian MP says
A Russian MP has insisted that the Ukraine is ‘provoking and poking’ her country to use ominous nuclear weapons threats.
Maria Butina appeared on Newsnight, insisting that Ukraine’s goal was to “escalate the conflict”, and that any ‘captured’ Russian territory would quickly be taken back.
“Russia will do everything to protect its territory”, she said. “They’re attacking nuclear plants...yes, they’re provoking a nuclear conflict..they have no understanding of what it’s going to be.”
“By trying to get PR points from the West, they actually put in danger the whole world.”
Ukraine is ‘provoking and poking’ Russia to use nuclear weapons, Russian MP says
A Russian MP has insisted that the Ukraine is ‘provoking and poking’ her country to use ominous nuclear weapons threats. Maria Butina appeared on Newsnight, insisting that Ukraine’s goal was to “escalate the conflict”, and that any ‘captured’ Russian territory would quickly be taken back. “Russia will do everything to protect its territory”, she said. “They’re attacking nuclear plants...yes, they’re provoking a nuclear conflict..they have no understanding of what it’s going to be.” “By trying to get PR points from the West, they actually put in danger the whole world.”
Alexander Butler15 August 2024 12:30 1723719135UK ministry of defence statement on British tanks in Russia
“There has been no change in UK government policy, under Article 51 of the UN Charter Ukraine has a clear right of self-defence against Russia’s illegal attacks, that does not preclude operations inside Russia.
“We make clear during the gifting process that equipment is to be used in line with international law.”
Alexander Butler15 August 2024 11:52 1723716475Russia sentences ballerina to 12 years in jail for donating £40 to charity
A Russian-American ballerina has been jailed for 12 years in Russia for donating £40 to a charity supporting Ukraine.
Ksenia Karelina pleaded guilty at her closed trial in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, where her case was heard by the same court that convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich of espionage in July.
Her supporters say she had donated £40 to Razom for Ukraine, a New York-based charity that provides humanitarian aid to children and elderly people in Ukraine
Alexander Butler15 August 2024 11:07 1723716031From Challenger to Leopard: How Ukraine’s tanks compare to Russia’s
Alexander Butler15 August 2024 11:00 1723714231Russia sends forces of its Eastern military district to Mongolia for drills
Russia has sent forces of its Eastern military district to Mongolia to participate in joint drills, state news agency TASS said on Thursday, quoting the defence ministry.
Moscow, currently fighting a 10-day-old incursion by Ukrainian forces into western Russia, has continued to stage joint military exercises with foreign partners throughout the Ukraine war.
Alexander Butler15 August 2024 10:30 1723713174British tanks used in Russia incursion
British tanks have been used by Ukrainian troops in their cross-border assault into Russia just over a week ago, The Independent understands.
British Challenger 2 tanks were used during the shock Ukrainian incursion, according to a UK source, in the first time they have been rolled out on Russian territory.
The UK agreed to give Ukraine 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks in January 2023 in a move that prompted Germany and the United States to follow suit with their versions.
Pictured: Ukrainian troops on the frontline
Ukraine denies involvement in Nord Stream damage
Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak denied his country’s involvement in explosions which damaged the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and instead pointed the finger at Russia in comments to Reuters on Thursday.
“Such an act can only be carried out with extensive technical and financial resources... And who possessed all this at the time of the bombing? Only Russia,”
Alexander Butler15 August 2024 09:48 Newer1 / 4OlderDisclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.