Ukraine Says New Tanks Will Serve as ‘Iron Fist’ in Counteroffensive

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov attends a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel during a European Union (EU) summit, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 3, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov attends a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel during a European Union (EU) summit, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 3, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)
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Ukraine Says New Tanks Will Serve as ‘Iron Fist’ in Counteroffensive

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov attends a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel during a European Union (EU) summit, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 3, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov attends a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel during a European Union (EU) summit, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 3, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters)

Ukraine's defense minister said on Friday that new tanks supplied by NATO countries would serve as an "iron fist" in a counteroffensive by Kyiv to break through Russian defensive lines.

The official, Oleksii Reznikov, told a news briefing with his Polish counterpart that Western supplies of 155-mm artillery were vital for Ukraine to weather Russia's own attacks in the south and in the east.

"The new tank coalition with the main tanks of NATO countries - we need this for the counteroffensive, we will use it like an iron fist to break through their defensive lines," he said.

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, in Kyiv on Friday for talks with Reznikov, said Warsaw was helping to train Ukrainian soldiers to use Western tanks and that completing the training was a question of "weeks not days or months".

Kyiv secured pledges from the West last month to supply main battle tanks to help fend off Russia's invasion, with Moscow mounting huge efforts to make advances in the east.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said the government expects to receive 120 to 140 Western tanks from a coalition of 12 countries in a first wave of deliveries, including German Leopard 2, British Challenger 2 and US M1 Abrams tanks.



Starmer and Zelenskiy Meet in London, Agree Military Production Project

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
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Starmer and Zelenskiy Meet in London, Agree Military Production Project

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL

Volodymyr Zelenskiy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new defense co-production initiative on Monday during a short visit by the Ukrainian president to London to discuss his country's defense against Russia.

The two leaders announced the deal in the garden of Starmer's Downing Street residence, where they also met Ukrainian troops being trained in Britain.

"I'm really proud that this afternoon, we're able to announce an industrial military co-production agreement - the first of its kind so far as Ukraine and the UK are concerned - which will be a massive step forward now in the contribution that we can continue to make," Starmer said.

He did not provide further details on the agreement. Zelenskiy said it would help strengthen both nations.

Speaking alongside Starmer, the Ukrainian president thanked Britain for its support in the war against Russia, Reuters reported.

Zelenskiy had earlier met King Charles at Windsor Castle where the two shook hands for cameras on what was their third meeting this year and the latest gesture of Charles', and Britain's, support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader also met the speakers of both houses of parliament.