American Abrams tanks are coming to the aid of Ukraine
2023.01.25 13:58
American Abrams tanks are coming to the aid of Ukraine
By Kristina Sobol
Budrigannews.com – The United States of America made the announcement on Wednesday that it will provide Ukraine with 31 advanced M1 Abrams tanks worth $400 million in a matter of months. This move helped break a diplomatic impasse with Germany over the best way to assist Kyiv in its war with Russia.
At the White House, President Joe Biden made the decision, stating that the Ukrainians require the tanks to “improve their ability to maneuver in open terrain.”
Biden listed the other on-the-ground military hardware that other NATO allies and European nations were supplying, and expressed gratitude to Germany for its decision to provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks. He stated, “Germany has really stepped up.”
Regarding the allies of the United States and Europe, Biden stated, “The expectation on the part of Russia is that we’re going to break up.” However, we are completely, totally, and completely united.
In order to persuade Germany to send its Leopard 2 tanks, which are easier to use, to Ukraine, the United States had been reluctant to deploy the difficult-to-maintain Abrams tanks.
The decisions made by Washington and Berlin come as the Western allies help Ukraine get ready for a possible counter-offensive in the spring to try to drive Russia out of the territory it has taken.
According to Biden, the tanks pose “no offensive threat to Russia.”
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, stated that any shipment of Abrams tanks would be a waste of money since they “burn” like other tanks in Ukraine.
Andriy Yermak, the head of the presidential administration in Ukraine, hailed the tank announcements as a “historic day” that would influence the war’s outcome.
In response to a shouted question from a reporter, Biden stated that the United States’ decision was not made in response to German pressure. He stated:
“We wanted to make sure we were all together, Germany didn’t force me to change my mind,”
One of the most potent U.S. tanks, the Abrams, won’t be heading to Ukraine anytime soon.
Reporters were briefed on the decision by senior administration officials, who said that the Abrams would be delivered in months, not weeks, and that the move would support Ukraine’s long-term defense.
In an undetermined location, members of the Ukrainian military will receive instruction on how to operate the Abrams. The Abrams is a highly sophisticated and costly weapon that is challenging to maintain and presents logistical challenges for resupply because it runs on jet fuel.
The total cost of an individual Abrams tank, including maintenance and training, can exceed $10 million.
According to senior administration officials, Biden had multiple conversations with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz this month regarding assistance to Ukraine. He spoke with Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron, all of whom are close allies in assisting Ukraine, once more on Wednesday.
According to one official:
“Today’s announcement was really a product of good diplomatic conversations as part of our regular and ongoing close consultations with allies and partners on security assistance to Ukraine.”
The official stated that additional announcements regarding additional armored vehicle capabilities from U.S. allies are anticipated.
Peskov of the Kremlin made the following statement regarding the Abrams tanks: “I am certain that many experts understand the absurdity of this idea.” “Technologically, the plan is disastrous,” he stated. However, its greatest strength is its overestimation of the Ukrainian army’s potential. According to Peskov, “these tanks burn just like all the others.”
On Tuesday, Reuters was informed by a source with knowledge of the situation that the United States’ decision regarding Abrams was a result of discussions with the Germans regarding their reluctance to provide tanks and to demonstrate the significance of the United States’ commitment.
According to the source, “The United States was willing to make a significant commitment to assist them in making theirs.” The tanks are a crucial capability, and we were willing to assume leadership if necessary.
The tanks will be provided by the United States through a fund called the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This fund enables the Biden administration to purchase weapons from industry rather than taking them from the United States’ existing arsenal. Purchasing them takes longer.
