UPDATE: 3-Russia declares that Britain’s tanks will ‘burn’ in Ukraine
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Kremlin: Tanks will not alter conflict’s outcome
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Russian TV host claims Britain is now in the war
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State TV discusses the possibility of nuclear testing being resumed
(Recasts headline; adds quotes, details)
Guy Faulconbridge
MOSCOW, January 16 (Reuters) – The Kremlin declared Monday that Britain’s plans to send tanks to Ukraine “will burn”, warning that the West would not be able to supply a new round more advanced weapons to Ukraine to alter the outcome.
The United States and its allies have provided tens to billions of dollars worth of weaponry, including drones and armoured vehicles, since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24.
Britain stated on Saturday that 14 Challenger 2 main battle tank main battle tanks would be sent to Afghanistan along with other advanced artillery support over the next few weeks.
When asked about British tanks, Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, said that they were using the country to accomplish their anti-Russian goals.
Peskov declared that the tanks were burning and would burn as well.
Peskov stated that the new supplies from Poland and Britain would not alter the situation on the ground but were an attempt at easing the conflict, which he claimed would eventually bring more trouble to Ukraine.
Putin claimed in a Sunday interview that the military operation against Ukraine has gained momentum and that his soldiers are optimistic about achieving more victories following Russia’s takeover of Soledar (an eastern Ukrainian salt-mining community).
According to the Kremlin chief, the war in Ukraine is now a conflict with an arrogant and aggressive West. Russia has stated that it will use all means available to protect its people and itself against any enemy.
The United States and its allies condemned Russia’s invasion in Ukraine as an imperial-style land grab. Ukraine, however, has pledged to fight until the last Russian soldier leaves its territory.
Vladimir Solovyev (pro-Kremlin host on Rossiya 1 state TV) stated that any Western country which supplies more advanced weapons to Ukraine should consider them legitimate targets for Russia.
Solovyev stated that Britain had entered war de facto on Sunday night’s flagship talk show on state TV. “I consider Britain a legitimate target for me.”
Andrei Gurulyev (state television) and he discussed his comments with the public.
Gurulyev stated that if there was no London, we would win. “On Britain, six months ago I stated that it should be erased from the face the earth.”
On Friday, Ukraine’s allies will meet in Ramstein (Germany) to discuss the possibility of providing more arms to it. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz must allow Ukraine to export Leopard 2 battle tank to Germany. Germany produces them, as well as other countries that possess them.
(Editing by Philippa Flecher and Mark Trevelyan).