Ukrainian army denies Associated Press report on pullout of Abrams tanks from battlefield

Brigade wrote about this on Telegram.

"The tanks are performing well on the battlefield, and we are definitely not going to hide from the enemy what usually makes them hide. And even more so, we are not going to leave our infantry without such powerful fire support," the statement said.

The brigade noted that it would not comment publicly on the purpose, location, and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The Associated Press recently reported, citing sources, that Ukraine had 31 Abrams tanks provided by the United States. These tanks, worth about $10 million each, were vital to breaking through Russian defences.

But since then, the battlefield has changed significantly, in part due to the widespread use of Russian reconnaissance drones and hunter-killer drones. It is noted that these weapons have made it difficult for Ukraine to defend its tanks.

Five of the 31 tanks have already been lost to Russian attacks.

For now, the tanks have been moved off the front line, and the US will work with the Ukrainians to change tactics, said Admiral Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a third defense official who confirmed the move on condition of anonymity.

"If you think about how the fight has evolved, massive armor in an environment where unmanned aerial systems are ubiquitous could be at risk," Grady said.

According to him, the United States will work with Ukrainian and other partners on the ground to help them think through how they can use tanks in this changed environment where the enemy can see them immediately.

• On October 17, Ukraine received all 31 American-made M1A1 Abrams tanks that US President Joe Biden had promised to deliver.