The promise of these tanks was made by Washington at the beginning of the year, as part of more than $43 billion in security assistance pledged by the United States since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Kyiv, September 19, 2023 – In a significant development, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced today that Ukraine will soon receive a shipment of M1 Abrams tanks from the United States. This comes as Kyiv’s forces continue to make steady progress in their counter-offensive against Moscow’s troops. The announcement was made during the opening of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting held in Germany.
The promise of these tanks was made by Washington at the beginning of the year, as part of more than $43 billion in security assistance pledged by the United States since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“I’m pleased to announce that the M1 Abrams tanks that the United States had previously committed to will be entering Ukraine soon,” stated Austin.
These formidable American-made tanks will be paired with 120mm armor-piercing depleted uranium rounds, a decision that has generated some controversy due to their historical association with health problems, such as cancer and birth defects, in areas where they were used in past conflicts. It’s important to note that such issues have not been definitively proven to be caused by these munitions.
Ukraine’s counter-offensive, which was initiated in June, has been a slow and challenging endeavor, encountering heavy resistance from Russian forces. Austin, however, expressed optimism, saying, “The counter-offensive continues to make steady forward progress, and brave Ukrainian troops are breaking through the heavily fortified lines of Russia’s army of aggression.”
The arrival of these tanks and ammunition is expected to provide a significant boost to Ukraine’s defense capabilities and its ongoing efforts to repel Russian forces.
During the meeting, Austin also welcomed Ukraine’s new defense minister, Rustem Umerov, who assumed the position earlier this month in a move seen as a response to corruption scandals within the ministry. Umerov’s vision and priorities were expected to be discussed during the meeting.
US officials have played a key role in garnering international support for Ukraine, forming a coalition of nations to back Kyiv and coordinating aid efforts through regular Contact Group meetings. This support has included training for Ukrainian troops and the imposition of sanctions on Russia by the United States and other countries, targeting financial institutions, technology imports, and energy exports.
Picture shows Bradley M2 not M1 Abrams.