“The news of Defense Minister Rustam Umerov states that Abrams tanks are present in Ukraine and are preparing to strengthen our brigades” – President Zelensky announced on September 25.
Guardian Said President Zelensky did not say how many Abrams tanks have arrived in Ukraine, nor how long it will take for them to be deployed to the front lines.
An American M1A1 Abrams tank was transferred to Germany to train Ukrainian troops in May 2023. Photo: US Army
Washington earlier this year promised to provide Ukraine with 31 Abrams tanks, part of a security aid package worth more than $43 billion that the US has pledged over the past 18 months.
The Abrams tank was developed by the US in the period 1972–1975. It is equipped with armour-piercing depleted uranium bullets, 120 mm artillery shells, 7.62 mm coaxial guns and 12.7 mm guns, and can reach a maximum speed of 67 km/h. It is considered a weapon that could help Ukraine “change the game”, in the context that a counter-offensive launched in June had not made the expected progress.
The decision to provide Ukraine with Abrams tanks is considered a turning point, as US defense officials have repeatedly said that they are not suitable for the Kiev army due to their complex nature.
Sheet new York Times President Zelensky was reported to have asked allies to provide Ukraine with at least 300 Western tanks to use in a counter-attack. One expert said that so far, Ukraine has received only half of its requested tanks.
Abrams tanks are made in America. Photo: AP
