President Zelensky confirms 'significant reinforcement' as US Abrams tanks arrive in Ukraine
The first of the American-made M1 Abrams tanks have been delivered to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed.
"Defence Minister Umeroz delivered an important report: the first American-made Abrams tanks are already in Ukraine," Mr Zelensky said during his daily address.
The M1 Abrams tanks were earmarked for Ukraine in January, an early sign that international reluctance to send tanks to the battlefront against the Russians had started to erode.
According to reports in January, the US was set to deliver 31 of the jet-powered American tanks to Ukraine, joining Germany and the UK in sending tanks to oppose the Russian invasion.
However, President Zelensky did not mention how many of the 31 tanks promised by Washington had been delivered in the first batch.
The Abrams have joined the dozens of German-made Leopards and some British Challenger 2s.
Germany's Leopard 2A6 battle tank was recently praised by Ukrainian troops using it on the frontline, with one soldier thanking Western nations for sending the vehicle.
Earlier this month, a British-supplied Challenger 2 main battle tank was destroyed in Ukraine but the crew members survived, Forces News confirmed via defence sources.
The tank hit a mine before being struck by a Russian loitering munition, also known as a suicide drone, Western officials said.
This incident meant that it was the first Challenger 2 to have ever been taken out at the hands of an enemy.
The delivery of the US-made M1 Abrams comes nearly four months into Ukraine's big offensive to recapture Russian-occupied territory.
Kyiv has reported slow, steady progress so far, capturing villages and ground that it says improves its position, but has yet to force a major Russian retreat with Moscow reporting that the Ukrainian offensive has already failed.
"I am grateful to our allies for fulfilling the agreements! We are looking for new contracts and expanding our supply geography," Mr Zelensky said.
"We are preparing them [Abrams tanks] to reinforce our actions against the occupiers - and it will be a significant reinforcement."
Further support
He added: "We are also working to get all the other weapons capabilities we need, this includes F-16s - we are preparing pilots and infrastructure.
"This also includes long-range weapons, we are doing our utmost to enable Ukraine to do more to liberate its territory.
"The same goes for air defence. To cover the entire territory of our country we need more systems that we currently have.
"The best thing for us is to be able to produce air defence and other advanced weapons. This is the only way to guarantee Ukraine's security."
In June, the US announced a new military aid package to assist Ukraine worth up to $500m.
The Biden administration also confirmed that it would provide cluster munitions, a somewhat controversial motion which has caused some reported unease among some Nato allies.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
