British Challenger 2 tanks were thought to have been used in Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia.

It came after the Government confirmed Kyiv was free to use UK weapons in its offensive in the Kursk region.

A UK source said the battle tanks had been deployed by Ukrainian troops, as first reported by Sky News.

The UK defence ministry refused to comment on “operational” matters.

It said there had been no change in policy since the green light was given for UK weapons to be used on Russian soil as part of Kyiv’s self-defence.

The only exception is Britain’s powerful Storm Shadow missiles, which remain off-limits beyond Ukraine’s borders.

The 82nd Air Assault Brigade has been operating UK tanks since last year and has been involved in the ongoing incursion.

War-torn Ukraine has launched a surprise counter-offensive against Vladimir Putin’s Russia in recent weeks with the apparent aim of diverting Moscow’s forces away from the land they have invaded.

The latest turn in the conflict has sparked concerns about a wider escalation of tensions between Russia and the West.

But the MoD has said Ukraine has a “clear right” to use weapons donated by the UK for its self-defence, and “that does not preclude operations inside Russia.”

The policy means anti-tank missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and other weapons donated by the UK to Kyiv’s war effort could soon be seen on the battlefield in Russia.

However, Downing Street has previously insisted that the long-range Storm Shadow missiles would only be used for conflict within Ukraine.

Ukrainian troops appeared to be gaining more territory within the Kursk region in recent days, while other neighbouring Russian states along Ukraine’s border have declared a state of emergency in response.

The offensive is believed to be the largest of its kind by a foreign army on Russian soil since the Second World War. 

(dpa/NAN)