President Joe Biden has announced that the United States would be delivering 31 Abrams Tanks to Ukraine as the country heads into a new phase of its war against Russia.

“With spring approaching, the Ukrainian forces are working to defend the territory they hold and preparing for additional counter-offensive,” President Biden said. “To liberate their land, they need to be able to counter Russia’s evolving tactics and strategy on the battlefield in the very near term.”

Biden explained that the tanks are some of the “most capable in the world,” they would improve Ukraine’s ability to fight in open terrain, and give them “an enduring capability to deter and defend against Russian aggression.”

The announcement was accompanied by Germany’s decision to send 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks to the nation as well.

“Germany supports Ukraine in defending against Russia’s aggression,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday. “We are supplying Leopard 2 tanks in close cooperation with our international partners.”

Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the Biden administration following Wednesday’s announcement.

“It’s an important step on the path to victory,” Zelenskyy said on Twitter. “Today the free world is united as never before for a common goal — liberation of Ukraine.”

However, it will likely be months before any tanks are delivered to the front and Ukrainian troops get fully trained to use the complex weapons.

Share:
More In Politics
Gun Reform and The Trump Administration
Gersh Kuntzman, deputy politics editor at Newsweek, discusses President Trump's remarks on the Parkland school shooting that left 17 students and faculty members dead. President Trump made headlines when he failed to even use the word "gun" in his speech following the massacre.
Parkland and 'Never Again'
On today's episode of VF Hive Kristen Scholer and Jon Kelly discuss the shooting in Parkland, CNN's turmoil and the future of Trump's Chief-of-Staff.
Closing Bell: February 15, 2018
Stories of heroism inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The mass shooting killed 17 people, and injured many others. Facebook is teaming up with organizations such as Lyft to make it easier to help people during a crisis. The Dow closes 300 points higher. McDonald's change its Happy Meal.
Between Bells: February 15, 2018
Amazon surpassed Microsoft in market cap. McDonald's is making its Happy Meals healthier. Washington D.C. reacts to the Florida high school massacre. Plus, we hear from an entrepreneur who started the first studio of its kind in the fitness industry.
The Gatekeeper: Reince Priebus' Agony
Chris Whipple, Author of "The Gatekeepers" joins VF Hive to discuss his conversation with former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus. It's been 6 months since he left Trump's side and his time in Washington, DC was certainly a wild one.
Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA) Talks Policy & Family Legacy
Congressman Joe Kennedy is a democrat who represents Massachusetts fourth district. His progressive policies and famous family name have thrust him into the spotlight after he gave the Democratic Party's official response to President Trump's State of the Union Address.
Perspective on Parkland
On today's episode of VF Hive Kristen Scholer and Jon Kelly discuss the Parkland, Fla. shooting, John Kelly's future and Evan Spiegel's redesign.
Load More