The first shipment of German and British tanks have arrived in Ukraine, ahead of an expected spring counter-offensive.
Ukraine's defense ministry said British Challenger 2 tanks had arrived in Ukraine, while Germany's Defense Ministry said 18 Leopard 2 tanks, ammunition and spare parts had been sent Tuesday.
Germany has faced criticism during the war for an apparent reluctance to send heavy weaponry to Ukraine. It eventually decided to send battle tanks to Kyiv in January, with the U.S. also pledging to send tanks. The U.K. was the first country to pledge tanks to Ukraine early on in the new year.
In other news, Russia's Pacific Fleet fired supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles at a mock target in the Sea of Japan, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday. The combat exercise saw Russia fire Moskit cruise missiles — supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles — at a "mock enemy." It said the target was hit.
Japan's foreign minister said his country would remain vigilant against Moscow's military operations.