US admits 'failure' of M1 Abrams tank in conflict in Ukraine

According to RT news agency, this was the admission of the US National Security Advisor on December 7. When asked if the Joe Biden administration could be better prepared for Ukraine's counterattack if they provided Kiev with more heavy weapons, Mr. Jake Sullivan mentioned the Abrams tanks as proof that not everything in the US arsenal is effective in Ukraine.

“We sent Abrams tanks, but that’s not the most useful equipment for Ukraine in the conflict,” Sullivan said.

Shortly after the Abrams tanks were deployed to Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry released video of US tanks burning on the front lines. US officials estimate that 20 of the 31 Abrams tanks sent to Ukraine in 2023 have been destroyed, and Ukrainian commanders began withdrawing the remaining tanks from the front lines earlier this year.

The M1A1 variant sent to Ukraine had its depleted uranium armor removed, leaving them vulnerable to Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and anti-tank missiles.

The White House approved the transfer of 31 M1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine in January 2023. President Biden said the M1 Abrams would help “counter Russia’s changing tactics and strategies on the front lines in the very near term.” Meanwhile, the US media described the tank as a “game changer” in Kiev’s counteroffensive against Russian forces that summer.

Before Mr. Biden agreed to deliver M1 Abrams to Ukraine, US military officials warned that the tanks would not meet the needs of the Ukrainian military.