Zelensky says ‘Russian society has raised a second Hitler’ in attack on Putin
The first Ukrainian soldiers have received US Abram tanks in a boost to Kyiv’s counteroffensive.
Ukrainian tank crews training in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine are the first troops to see the highly anticipated tanks, which were confirmed to have arrived in Ukraine on Monday by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In January, the US pledged to supply 31 advanced M1A2 tanks after months of shunning the idea. US General Mark Milley praised the Abrams tanks, saying they “will make a difference” in the ongoing 19-month war.
Tank crews in Ukraine said that once they were deployed, the Abrams tanks, which reportedly cost $10 million to make, would be a big step up from the Soviet-era tanks they are currently operating, Reuters reports.
“The Abrams tank....has protection against ammunition detonation. (This tank) does not have it. If ammunition detonates, there is no chance to survive,” said tank driver Vitalii, 29.
The tank is considered particularly lethal against heavy armour forces with a powerful engine, 120mm main gun and special armour.
On Wednesday Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the tanks would not effect the ‘outcome on the battlefield’ and warned the tanks will “burn”.
