The UK is considering supplying Ukraine with British battle tanks for the first time to help its army fight Russia, according to a report.

Discussions have been taking place “for a few weeks” about delivering a number of the British army’s Challenger 2 main battle tank, Sky News has cited a western source with knowledge of the conversations as saying.

No final decision has been made yet, but such a move would make Britain the first nation to respond to pleas from Ukraine’s leaders to equip their military with powerful tanks.

It would also help encourage other Nato allies, in particular Germany, to follow suit. One Ukrainian source said:

"It would encourage others to give tanks."

One source suggested the UK could offer about 10 Challenger 2 tanks, which would be enough to equip a squadron, Sky News writes.