UK Storm Shadows and Challenger 2s a gamechanger for Ukraine, says former PM

The UK's decision to provide Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles and Challenger 2 tanks was a gamechanger in the war against Russia, former prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has said.

Speaking at international affairs think tank Chatham House, he said: "I really commend the United Kingdom. Yesterday, I met your former Chief of Defence, Admiral [Sir Tony] Radakin.

"Your decision to provide Storm Shadow missiles and Challenger tanks to Ukraine was the sea change. It was a gamechanger in the decision-making process of the entire West."

• First of its kind: Memorial to UK volunteer fighters who died in Ukraine
• On the frontline in Ukraine with the crews operating the UK-supplied Challenger 2
• More Storm Shadows planned as PM says UK and France share responsibility to protect Europe

In January 2023, the UK announced its donation of 14 Challenger 2 tanks, accompanying ammunition and spare parts for the first time.

And in May that year, then-defence secretary Ben Wallace announced in the House of Commons the decision to provide Storm Shadow.

The precision-guided cruise missile can be used against ground targets and is particularly effective against large static targets such as bunkers.

Is the Russia-Ukraine war winnable?

Mr Yatsenyuk, whose premiership ran from 2014-16 during the annexation of Crimea, listed the "menu" of requirements for Ukraine to win.

"So, first we need an additional security supplemental for Ukraine from the US administration and from the European Union," he said.

"Second, we need to get the real financial support. The budget gap is around $170bn in the forthcoming three years."

He added that military production capacities needed to be increased both in the European Union and in Ukraine.

Mr Yatsenyuk also said Russian assets needed to be confiscated, and "last but not least", China and India needed to be held to account for supporting Russia to circumvent sanctions.

His message was "this war won't be settled by diplomacy".

What does victory look like?

Now 1,317 days since the full-scale invasion of his country, the former PM shared his vision for victory.

"The very survival of the Ukrainian state is the victory for Ukraine. Nato membership is the victory for Ukraine. EU membership is the victory for Ukraine. Ironclad security guarantees," he told the audience.

"And last, but not least, to bring Russia to justice. Justice must be served."