UK says tanks 'could be part' of future support for Ukraine

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly made the statements at a press conference following a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, the Independent reports.

Politicians said that they discussed a number of issues, including energy security, the Northern Ireland protocol, the war in Ukraine and cultural exchanges.

Speaking about whether the UK would join other countries in sending armored combat vehicles to Ukraine, Mr Cleverly said

"We have been providing the kind of military equipment that is able to put a decisive… punch against Russian targets at range. We will continue to speak with the Ukrainians about what they need for the next phase of their self-defense and we will continue working with our international partners about ensuring that we provide that. Tanks might well be part of that. Where they come from, which allies provide them, is something that of course we are working on in coordination with each other. The way we have supported the Ukrainians has evolved as the conflict has evolved, and we will continue to evolve our support to ensure that it is effective and we will continue to work with our allies to make sure that support is co-ordinated."

Mr Cleverly said that he and Ms Baerbock "recommitted ourselves to our unwavering support for Ukraine in their fight against Russia’s illegal and barbaric invasion, and we committed to holding Russia accountable for its atrocities."

• The US and Germany announced a joint arms package for Ukraine, which included Bradleys, Marders and another Patriot battery.
• On January 4, Paris announced it would give Ukraine AMX-10RC light tanks and ACMAT Bastion armored personnel carriers.
• On January 6, it was revealed that  the German government provided a new batch of aid to Ukraine during the week, which included anti-drone systems, unmanned infantry fighting vehicles and trailers for armored vehicles.