Ukraine has withdrawn expensive U.S.-donated M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks from the front lines after Russian drones destroyed five of the heavy Western tanks it fought for months to obtain, The Associated Press reported Friday, citing U.S. officials.
The U.S. agreed in early 2023 to deliver 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, sending a message of commitment to convince other European partners to provide Western tanks, as Ukraine argued they were critical to counteroffensive operations against Russian forces. However, evolution in Russia’s use of surveillance and attack drones since then has made it more difficult for Ukraine to protect the tanks costing roughly $10 million apiece, the AP reported, citing two U.S. military officials.
Russia has damaged or destroyed five of the U.S. tanks, which arrived in Ukraine in September, according to the AP. Droves of Russian surveillance and…
