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.
When President Trump returns to Washington in the new year, one of the first moves he could make is killing the Iran Nuclear Deal. He will only have a few weeks before coming up against legal deadlines to impose sanctions against Tehran.
President Trump's first year in office has seen style choices turn into political controversies. Racked's Eliza Brooke joins Cheddar to explain why Americans are so fixated on fashion choices coming out of The White House.
Jacqueline Ayers, Director of Legislative Affairs for Planned Parenthood, discusses 2017's historic year for women - from the women's marches that kicked off President Trump's inauguration to the #Metoo campaign.
The intersection of Washington DC, Wall Street and Silicon Valley and the egos at play in each.
Liz Wolfe, Managing Editor at Young Voices, breaks down allegations within the Department of Justice and says she's not "super optimistic" things will change.
President Trump signed the Republican tax bill into law last week. While most taxpayers will not be impacted until its time to file 2018 taxes in 2019, there are ways you can be proactive now. TurboTax Chief Tax Officer Dave Williams shares his advice for planning ahead.
VF Hive + Between Bells: Vanity Fair's Hive gets candid with departing Vanity Fair Editor Graydon Carter. On Between Bells: the countdown to legal recreational weed. With New York Magazine, IMore.com: iPhone and iPad, FHM, and more.
The Department of Justice's Inspector General says that mishandling of sexual harassment complaints is a systemic problem. The Inspector's office found that complaints were mishandled in multiple instances.
While President Trump is celebrating his win on tax reform at Mar-a-Lago, everyone else is wondering what policy he will take on next. Despite his recent success, divisions within the GOP could make it hard for the president to get another major legislative win in the new year.
Michael Simon, staff writer for PCWorld, discusses President Obama's comments in an interview with Prince Harry where he warned against the misuse of social media, hinting at leaders that use platforms to divide and spread misinformation.
