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
Doug Jones' Improbable Victory
Kristen Scholer, Hive editor Jon Kelly, and the VF Hive panel discuss the top five stories of the week in technology, politics in business. Nick Bilton reports on his story about Donald Trump's threats to devalue the social media platforms that gave him his rise.
Inside Senator Kirsten GIllibrand's Big Week
Doug Jones' election caps off the month that the #MeToo movement made its way to Washington. Bustle's Erin Delmore joins Cheddar to discuss how Senator Kirsten Gillibrand became the face of the new wave that's beginning to enter the political arena.
Agree to Disagree: Debating Today's Biggest Political Stories
President Trump is ramping up his attacks on the media. Did the White House time his latest barrage against the press to match up with the Senate election in Alabama? Our round table debates that topic and more in today's edition of "Agree to Disagree."
How to Handle Harassment Allegations as a Brand and Company
For the past couple of months, there has been a windfall of sexual harassment and assault allegations coming out of Hollywood, Washington, the media, and more. Sue Jacobson is the co-founder of Jacobson Strategic Communications, and she joins Cheddar to explain why responding quickly in these situations is so important.
Load More