It is hoped the Challenger 2s from the UK and the 18 German Leopard 2s will give Ukraine a vital edge on the frontline.
Ukraine’s government did not officially comment on the Leopards, but yesterday confirmed receipt of the Challengers.
Posting a picture of a Challenger on his Facebook page, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov called the tank military art.
It is believed 14 in total will be sent by the UK, though it is unclear how many have been delivered.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence confirmed Ukrainian tank crews are back home after completing training in the UK.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “It is truly inspiring to witness the determination of Ukrainian soldiers training on Challenger 2s.
“We will continue to do all we can to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Lieutenant Colonel John Stone, who oversaw the training said: “We have no doubt our friends will use the Challenger 2 tanks most effectively in the battles to come.” More Leopard 2s could be sent by other countries, provided Germany agrees.”
In addition some 40 German Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and two armoured recovery vehicles have also reached Ukraine, a security source said.
Like Britain, Germany has trained the crews. The highly regarded Leopard 2 is designed to compete with the Russian T-90 tank.
As well as the German vehicles, three Leopards donated by Portugal have also reached Ukraine, a security source said.
The Kremlin has described the supply of the tanks as a “dangerous provocation”.
As fighting continued in the East of Ukraine, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday held an emergency meeting with UN atomic energy chief Rafael Mariano Grossi amid fears of another Chernobyl-like disaster.
The pair discussed the “perilous” situation at the giant Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, after relentless fighting in the area.
In another cause for concern, Russia yesterday test fired two supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles into the Sea of Japan.
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