A defence source has reportedly said a Challenger 2 tank donated by Ukraine in the fight against Russian invaders has been destroyed in combat. The event allegedly represented the first time one of these heavily armoured vehicles had been disabled by enemy action.

The last known destruction of one of these tanks was from friendly fire during the Iraq War in 2003. On social media, footage showing a damaged tank on the side of the road with thick smoke and flames billowing away from it has appeared recently. Exactly how the tank was destroyed is unclear, but there were Ukrainian crew members inside who apparently survived after being attacked. The incident underlines the efficacy of military equipment given to Ukraine by western nations.

The Ministry of Defence declined to comment, and the precise location from which the tank footage was produced remains unclear. Media reports suggest the video comes from the southern Zaporizhzhia front, where Ukraine has recently boosted its counteroffensive efforts. In this area, Ukraine has made notable gains, retaking key territories strategically placed for fighting.

The war in Ukraine is a proving ground for modern tanks against Western military equipment and an exemplar of quality support by Western nations. The UK, Germany, and the US have supplied Ukraine with tanks as part of their efforts to help Kyiv in its conflict against Russian forces.