Ukraine disputes reports of withdrawing Abrams tanks from the front
On Friday, the Associated Press reported that the Ukrainian army had withdrawn M1A1 Abrams tanks from the front line, which it received as part of military aid from the USA. On Saturday, the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine strongly denied these reports.
"The tanks perform well on the battlefield, and we definitely do not intend to let the enemy take advantage of any situation. Moreover, we will not leave our infantry without such powerful fire support," reads the tankers' post on Telegram.
It added, "As for the purposes, locations, and movements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we will not disclose them publicly."
Pentagon: Abrams tanks withdrawn from the front
On Friday, the AP reported, citing information obtained at the Pentagon, that Ukrainian forces are withdrawing American Abrams M1A1 tanks from the front due to the threat of Russian drones.
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Christopher Grady, stated that the widespread use of drones has resulted in there being no safe open areas where tanks could operate. Consequently, the Abrams tanks have been withdrawn from the frontline, and the United States will work with Ukraine to adapt their tactics.
So far, Ukrainian forces have lost five of the 31 Abrams tanks received from the Americans.
The new American military aid package reflects adjustments in response to the evolving situation on the battlefield. The focus has been shifted towards countering Russian drones, bolstering additional air defence, and introducing a variety of more cost-effective vehicles, including Humvees, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
