Ukraine to temporarily stop using Abrams tanks at front

The Associated Press reports this with reference to sources.

Ukraine had 31 Abrams tanks provided by the United States. These tanks, costing about $10 million each, were vital to breaking through the Russian defense.

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 protect 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.

“When you think about the way the fight has evolved, massed armor in an environment where unmanned aerial systems are ubiquitous can 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.