The Czech Republic has reportedly become the first EU country to directly supply Ukraine with offensive weapons since the Russian invasion began 41 days ago.
Senior Czech officials told the Reuters news agency that the country has sent Soviet made T-72 tanks and BVP-1 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, confirming local media reports that showed a train loaded with five tanks and five fighting vehicles.
Defence Minister Jana Cernochova told parliament she would not confirm or deny details of Czech aid to Ukraine.
“I will only assure you that the Czech Republic…is helping Ukraine as much as it can and will continue to help by (supplying) military equipment, both light and heavy,” Jana Cernochova said.
It comes amid reports that the German government earlier this week lifted objections to a private Czech arms dealer exporting 56 ex-East German troop carriers to Ukraine.