The 31 M-1 Abrams battle tanks the U.S. is sending to Ukraine are intended "to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and its territorial integrity," President Biden says.
"That's what this is about," Biden says. "It is not an offensive threat to Russia." https://t.co/VDZRZte2bK pic.twitter.com/Phh5Gu8qu8
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 25, 2023
“Today, I’m announcing that the United States will be sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, the equivalent of one Ukrainian battalion,” Mr. Biden said at the White House, flanked by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The security package is worth roughly $400 million, the Pentagon said.
The move comes after Germany said it would quickly provide 14 of its own Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and allow Western partners to re-export their own, a move that Mr. Biden praised. France, the U.K., Finland, the Netherlands and other nations are also sending key security assistance, Mr. Biden noted, emphasizing that the United States’ move is part of a concerted effort by Western allies.
“Today’s announcement builds on the hard work and commitment from countries around the world, led by the United States of America, to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and its territorial integrity,” Mr. Biden said. “That’s what this is about, helping Ukraine protect and defend Ukrainian land. It is not an offensive threat to Russia. There is no offensive threat to Russia. If Russian troops return to Russia … where they belong, this war would be over today.”
[Biden’s correct about that much. Ukraine had no territorial aspirations on Russian territory as recognized before their illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, and for that matter had no intention of seizing Crimea militarily either. We can debate whether it’s wise to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine, but not who started this war and how it should end. — Ed]
Join the conversation as a VIP Member