Washington: US President Joe Biden announced that Washington is sending 31 heavy M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of Washington’s continued support for
Washington: US President Joe Biden announced that Washington is sending 31 heavy M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of Washington’s continued support for the war-torn nation.
The US-made military vehicle is one of the most modern battle tanks in the world and requires extensive training to operate.
Addressing reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Biden said the decision to send the tanks came after his conversation earlier in the day “with our NATO Allies — German Chancellor (Olaf) Scholz, French President (Emmanuel) Macron, UK Prime Minister (Rishi) Sunak, and the Italian Prime Minister (Giorgia) Meloni — to continue our close coordination in our full support of Ukraine”.
“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin expected Europe and the US to weaken our resolve… He was wrong from the beginning and he continues to be wrong,” he said.
According to the President, a Ukrainian tank battalion typically consists of 31 tanks, which is why that number has been agreed upon.
“The Abrams tanks are the most capable tanks in the world. They’re also extremely complex to operate and maintain, so we’re also giving Ukraine the parts and equipment necessary to effectively sustain these tanks on the battlefield,” he said.
