Ukraine's Abrams stand firm: Strategy over retreat in the face of losses
The 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has responded to information about withdrawing Abrams tanks from the front. According to the Ukrainians, discussions should not focus on issues with these vehicles, which remind us of their capabilities, but instead on the strategy expected to result in further losses for the Russians soon.
The tanks are performing excellently in battle, and we certainly do not plan to conceal what usually forces them to hide from the enemy. Moreover, we will not deprive our infantry of such robust fire support. However, the purposes, locations, and movements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will not be disclosed publicly, as stated in the statement of the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine published on the Telegram service.
Ukrainians comment on the withdrawal of Abrams tanks from the front
It is important to note that the Associated Press initially reported on the retreat of Abrams tanks from the battlefield. The report highlighted that Ukrainians, along with Americans, must devise a new strategy for utilizing these tanks because the Russians are causing greater losses than anticipated.
From publicly accessible information and assessments based on photos and video recordings, it appears that out of the 31 Abrams tanks dispatched to the front, the Russians have already knocked out 8 units. Five are likely destroyed beyond repair, and three have sustained damage. Gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak, former commander of the Polish Land Forces, said that such an outcome could be expected, as Abrams tanks are and will continue to be a prime target for Russian forces.
Abrams tanks in the hands of Ukrainians
The United States dispatched Abrams tanks in the M1A1 variants to Ukraine. Initially, there was a plan to send the newer M1A2 variants, but the Ukrainians, eager for timely assistance, suggested this course themselves.
The Abrams M1A1 remains one of the finest tanks in Ukraine. Measuring nearly 10 metres in length and weighing about 57 tonnes, this tank is significantly better armoured (it uses tungsten inserts instead of depleted uranium panels) and armed than Soviet-made and even some modern Russian tanks. It is equipped with a 120 mm cannon, 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm calibre machine guns, and numerous advanced systems.
According to the Associated Press, the challenge for Ukrainians has become Russian drones. These drones are reportedly causing greater losses to the Abrams than originally thought.
