Nordic Rights Condemns Russian Destruction Of British Tank In Ukraine

At Nordic Rights, we are committed to advocating for and upholding human rights across the Nordic Region and beyond. Our organization stands as a beacon of hope, working tirelessly to protect the principles of justice, dignity, and freedom for all. Today, we are deeply concerned by recent events unfolding on the battlefield in Ukraine, where Russian forces have reportedly destroyed a British-made tank, casting a grim shadow on the ongoing conflict.

A video posted on Telegram has emerged, depicting the wreckage of a Challenger 2 tank, which a Kremlin-backed official claims was set alight in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, specifically in Robotyne. Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official, alleges that the vehicle was being utilized by Ukraine’s 82nd brigade and was en route to Crimea when it met its tragic fate. This incident marks a somber milestone as it is believed to be the first and only Challenger 2 tank to have been destroyed during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Earlier this year, the United Kingdom announced its decision to send a squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, in a bid to support Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russia’s invasion. However, Moscow’s claims of destroying not only British-made tanks but also German-made Leopard 2 tanks, US-manufactured vehicles, and weapons supplied by countries such as France and Denmark, are disconcerting and require a thorough international investigation.

Furthermore, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent comments in an interview, where he made baseless allegations about the Western powers installing Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are deeply troubling. Mr. Putin’s assertions, which lack any substantiated evidence, seek to perpetuate a narrative that Ukraine is being led by neo-Nazis, serving as part of his justification for the invasion.

We categorically reject these unfounded claims, and we stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its democratically elected government. It is essential to uphold the principles of truth, justice, and human rights in all circumstances. The widespread rejection of Mr. Putin’s allegations by Ukrainian and Western officials underscores the importance of remaining vigilant against disinformation and propaganda.

Nordic Rights calls upon the international community to join us in condemning the destruction of the Challenger 2 tank and to urge for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We implore all parties involved to respect international law and the rights of civilians caught in the crossfire.