Biden announces: US to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine

“With spring approaching, Ukrainian forces are working to defend the territory they hold and preparing for additional counter offenses,” Biden said in his announcement of his decision to send the tanks.The US tanks will be purchased through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which means it will take some time for the Ukrainian forces to receive the tanks and be able to deploy them on the battlefield.The Pentagon plans soon to begin training Ukrainian forces on the system outside of Ukraine, according to AP.White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to pinpoint on Wednesday when the Abrams will be delivered, but said the German-made Leopards are expected to make their way to Ukrainian forces more quickly.

Joe Biden REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein US President Joe Biden officially announced on Wednesday that the US will send 31 M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, reversing months of persistent arguments that the tanks were too difficult for Ukrainian troops to operate and maintain, The Associated Press reported.” The $400 million package announced Wednesday also includes eight M88 recovery vehicles — tank-like tracked vehicles that can tow the Abrams if it gets stuck.