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PBS NewsHourAPR 17 2024
Report: Ukraine Pulls US-Provided Abrams Tanks From Frontlines
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The Facts
Ukraine has pulled its remaining M1A1 Abrams tanks from the frontlines of the conflict with Russia, according to two US officials who spoke with the Associated Press on Thursday.
The US agreed to send Ukraine 31 Abrams tanks last year — each worth roughly $10M. According to the report, five tanks have since been destroyed. It cited advances in Russian drone warfare as the reason behind sidelining the US-provided gear for the time being, suggesting tanks were currently susceptible to Russian attacks.
While US Pres. Joe Biden this week signed into law a bill that will ultimately provide Ukraine with $61B of weaponry — $1B of which will be unlocked immediately — US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said it will take time for the weapons to reach the frontlines and that Russia may still make more gains.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
In addition to the $1B of military aid that's already been unlocked, Washington will soon announce the biggest shipment of arms to Ukraine so far — exceeding that of any previous package in the two-year conflict. It will provide Ukraine with Patriot air defense missiles, artillery ammunition, as well as drones and counter-drone weapons, among other items needed to overthrow Russia's invasion.
Pro-Russia narrative
When you look at the fine print of what the US pledges to do, it becomes clear that Washington is only pledging to send money to American arms companies. The US admits that these contracts will take time to fulfil and that it could be years before Ukraine sees any of the weapons. These moves by the US will only escalate the conflict and do nothing to help the Ukrainian people.