Ukraine crisis: Former British armoured vehicles arrive in conflict zone after being sold off by private firm
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the sale did not represent an escalation of British involvement in the conflict
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former British Army Saxon armoured vehicles have been delivered to Ukraine.
The vehicles, described as “battle-taxis” and used in Iraq and Afghanistan, were sold by a private firm in 2013 after they went out of service three years ago.
A Ukrainian news agency claimed that 20 British Saxon vehicles had arrived and the report was picked up by the BBC.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed to The Independent that the armoured cars had arrived in Ukraine.
He stressed that the sale of these unarmed vehicles, procured by the MoD in the 1980s, did not represent an escalation of British involvement in Ukraine.
The sale, according to the MoD, had been organised for some time through the Disposal Services authority, which sells off obsolete military equipment.
“These vehicles were provided unarmed under a commercial contract dating 2013 by a private company,” the MoD said in a statement.
“They offer protective mobility to personnel, and are defensive in nature; they are not close combat vehicles.”
The statement added: “These vehicles were provided unarmed under a commercial contract dating 2013 by a private company. They offer protective mobility to personnel, and are defensive in nature; they are not close combat vehicles.”
Ukraine is embroiled in a vicious conflict, which has seen over 5,000 killed, as pro-Russian separatists fight for control of eastern regions of the country.
A ceasefire, supposed to come into effect at midnight this evening, is already on shaky ground as shelling continues apace around eastern Ukrainian towns.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments