Western media have speculated that US President Joe Biden may soon transfer Abrams tanks to Kyiv, amid calls for Western advanced tanks in Ukraine. However, Russia has already sent a stern warning against any such adventurism.
Russia's ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, warned on January 24 that the transfer of Abrams tanks to Ukraine would be seen as another "flagrant provocation" against Russia and that the Russian military would destroy the equipment.
Anatoly Antonov's warning came in response to Western media reports suggesting the White House is moving closer to a decision to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Some reports indicated that up to 50 Abrams tanks could be delivered to Kyiv.
In Pentapostagma we reported that, in a U-turn, the US looks set to lift its objections to sending US M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, and an announcement on the matter may even be made within the week.
In addition, German publication Der Spiegel also reported on January 24 that the country has finally decided to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine to help bolster the country's war effort. Earlier it was reported that the country was buying time and basing its decision on Washington's decision on the Abrams.
Moreover, these speculations are significant as they come just days after the NATO allies failed to convince the United States and Germany, at the Rammstein Air Base meeting, to announce the delivery of their respective tanks for Ukraine.
For several weeks, Ukrainian officials have been requesting US Abrams tanks and German Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) to launch a ground offensive against the Russians.
Until now, the Biden administration has held off on announcing the delivery of the most advanced MBTs to Kyiv, fearing escalation with Russia. However, advanced armored vehicles such as the Bradley and Stryker have been included in the military packages announced earlier this month.
In addition, Western military experts have stressed that Abrams tanks could be unsuitable for use in the conflict in eastern Ukraine if the US procures them.
Besides, even if the tanks are delivered to Ukraine, supply lines for specific fuel, routine maintenance, spare parts, transportation and training could be cut off by the Russians in battle.
So far, these reasons have been used to justify Ukraine's withholding of Abrams tanks. However, the Biden administration may soften the possibility of overcoming its political inhibitions and sending a strong message to the Russians, even at the cost of provocation.
The US approved the sale of M1A1 Abrams tanks to Poland last month, asking it to buy at least 116 Abrams tanks on top of the Abrams tanks ordered in 2020. The Polish government could make some tanks available to Ukraine if needed.
The Abrams tank is equipped with advanced composite armor, which offers effective defense against enemy fire and IEDs. To protect the crew from the possibility of tank ammunition exploding in the event of tank destruction, fuel and ammunition are stored in separate compartments.
The Abrams is equipped with an onboard electronic fire control computer, which allows the gunner to engage targets simply by "pointing and shooting." The Abrams can engage targets at long ranges, day or night, even in bad weather, thanks to this capability and a powerful sensor package.
These tanks have 120mm main guns, although they have different armour, sensor, communications and other equipment arrangements. There are thousands of M1 tanks in storage with the US military.
In addition to the German Leopard-2 tanks and the American Abrams, the UK has also decided to send its state-of-the-art Challenger MBTs to Ukraine. While they may not be completely "game-changing," even a small number of these tanks and other weapons could help Ukrainian forces in their upcoming offensive and defensive operations.
