Ukraine pulls Abrams tanks from front amid Russian drone threat
26 April 2024 10:29
Kyiv has decided to withdraw the Abrams combat tanks, supplied by the USA, from the front line. As two American military officials told the Associated Press, the reason is Russian drones.
The M1A1 Abrams tanks, delivered by the USA to Ukraine, have been withdrawn from the front line in the context of intense Russian drone operations. Ukrainians were unable to deploy the Abrams without risking detection and attack, according to sources at the Associated Press, as reported by "Rzeczpospolita", explaining Kyiv's decision.
As the newspaper recalls, in January last year, the United States decided to supply 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Concurrently, Germany agreed to transfer German Leopard main battle tanks, and the UK announced it would supply its main battle tanks, the Challenger.
Kyiv had planned to use Western tanks to penetrate the front lines as part of a counteroffensive that has been ongoing since June 4, 2023.
However, this counteroffensive has not met its expected goals, and the situation on the front line has worsened, as Russians have begun to deploy reconnaissance and assault drones more extensively. These drones represent a significant threat to the Ukrainian armored forces.
The Zelensky army has already lost 5 of the 31 Abrams tanks provided, including during the retreat from Avdiivka. Consequently, Washington and Kyiv are devising new tactics for deploying tanks in combat situations.
"We will work with our Ukrainian partners and other allies on the ground to craft a shift in combat tactics, announces Admiral Christopher Grady, a Joint Chiefs of Staff College member. Given the current conditions, where combat occurs in open spaces, and the sky is dominated by drones, it’s impossible for larger vehicles to move without being detected," he adds.
The war in Ukraine. The next phase of financial support from the USA
In the meantime, the United States is wrapping up one of its largest military aid packages for Ukraine. It is getting ready to sign contracts for the delivery of weapons and equipment to the Armed Forces. This news comes from the Politico website, quoting two US administration officials.
The aid package is expected to be finalized and announced as soon as today. It forms part of the broader support for Ukraine, amounting to £49 billion, endorsed by US President Joe Biden.
