On Wednesday, Biden promised that the U.S. would send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. This marks an escalation in American efforts to support Ukraine. And help them defend themselves after the Russian invasion almost a year ago.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been asking Western allies to provide larger numbers of high-end tanks. Ukraine forces have been mainly using Soviet-era tanks.
The MI Abrams, manufactured by General Dynamics Corp. can move up to 42 miles per hour with a range of 265 miles.
Biden announced the weapons deal just hours after German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz said Leopard 2 tanks from Berlin would be sent to Ukraine.
The U.K. also announced it will send 14 of its Challenger 2s to Ukraine.
14 of the fighting machines will come from Germany’s current weapons stocks. And they are agreeing to coordinate with allies to provide a total of 88 tanks.
Zelensky tweeted out a thank you to Scholz.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinkin joined the president in the announcement that the “most capable tanks in the world” would be sent to Ukraine.
