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Britain is to send Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine to bolster the war effort against invading Russian forces.

Additional artillery support is also to be sent by the UK to assist the Kyiv government in the face of Kremlin aggression.

The announcement comes after Sky News exclusively revealed the UK was considering supplying Ukraine with British tanks for the first time.

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The move makes the UK the first Western power to supply the Ukrainians with main battle tanks.

UK government insiders said the decision had to be made now in order to ensure Ukrainian soldiers could be trained in how to use the advanced combat vehicles before the impending spring offensive.

Ministers hope the announcement will encourage other allies to follow suit.

Following a call between Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, a Number 10 spokesperson said the two leaders had agreed on the "need to seize on this moment" after Ukrainian victories had "pushed Russian troops back".

The spokesperson added: "The prime minister outlined the UK's ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine, including through the provision of Challenger 2 tanks and additional artillery systems.

"The prime minister stressed that he and the whole UK government would be working intensively with international partners to deliver rapidly the kind of support which will allow Ukraine to press their advantage, win this war and secure a lasting peace."