In a significant development, Ukraine is set to receive M1 Abrams tanks from the United States as its forces continue to make steady progress in a counter-offensive against Russian troops. The announcement was made by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin during the opening of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Germany.
This move follows Washington’s promise earlier this year to provide Ukraine with M1 Abrams tanks, 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 during the conference. These tanks will be equipped with 120mm armour-piercing depleted uranium rounds, an announcement made earlier this month.
It’s worth noting that such munitions have been a subject of controversy due to their potential association with health problems, including cancer and birth defects, in areas where they were used in past conflicts. However, a definitive link between these munitions and health issues has not been established.
Ukraine has been engaged in a slow-moving counter-offensive against Russian forces since June, facing significant defensive positions. Austin acknowledged that the counter-offensive “continues to make steady forward progress,” and commended the bravery of Ukrainian troops for breaking through the heavily fortified lines of Russia’s army.
The appointment of Ukraine’s new defence minister, Rustem Umerov, earlier this month, was also welcomed during the conference. This change in leadership comes in the wake of corruption scandals at the ministry. US officials see this meeting as an opportunity to understand Minister Umerov’s vision and priorities.
The United States has been at the forefront of international support for Ukraine, rallying a coalition of nations to back Kyiv and coordinating aid efforts through regular Contact Group meetings. Support has extended to training Ukrainian troops, while tough sanctions on Russia have been imposed by the US and other countries, targeting financial institutions, technology imports, and energy exports.
