United States Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, has confirmed that the “Abrams” tanks promised to Ukraine are set to be delivered to Kyiv’s forces shortly.
This announcement was made during the inauguration of a recent contact group meeting concerning Ukraine in Germany. Austin conveyed, “I’m pleased to announce that the Abrams-M1 tanks, previously committed by the US, will soon be reaching Ukraine.”
Kyiv had earlier expressed its anticipation for the arrival of more than 10 “Abrams” tanks, as previously assured by the United States. However, the US commitment stands at delivering 31 tanks.
Russia’s position on this development has been decidedly cold. Earlier, Moscow had issued a memo to NATO countries concerning arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, warned that any shipment containing weapons for Ukraine would be a legitimate target for Russia. Further echoing Moscow’s concerns, Lavrov noted the direct involvement of the US and NATO in the Ukrainian conflict, not limited to weapon supplies but extending to personnel training in the UK, Germany, Italy, and other nations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry asserted that NATO countries are “playing with fire” by arming Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier remarked that Western arms supplies to Ukraine do not bode well for the success of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations and will have adverse impacts.
The situation in Ukraine has been a global focal point since the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. The conflict has attracted international involvement, with Western nations, led by the US, often offering support to Ukraine. Such support has been a source of contention, with Russia perceiving the Western aid, especially military assistance, as direct interference and a threat. The decision to send “Abrams” tanks to Ukraine further heightens the geopolitical tensions between the Western allies and Russia. The world watches closely as each move can influence the fragile balance in Eastern Europe.
