Live updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict: Discussions underway regarding American deployment of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, as suggested by officials
In his evening address on Monday, 23rd January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new rule barring Ukrainian officials from personal travel abroad for non-governmental purposes. This is the latest in a series of measures taken by Zelenskyy to strengthen Ukraine's defense and protect its sovereignty, as the country continues to face an ongoing conflict with Russia in eastern and southern Ukraine.
The new rule applies to all Ukrainian officials and does not apply to official government business travel. The Cabinet of Ministers is to establish a border-crossing procedure for officials within 5 days to ensure that only an actual working trip can be the reason for border crossing. The new rule is part of Zelenskyy's ongoing efforts to ensure the focus of Ukrainian officials remains on the country's defense and recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, the United States is considering sending M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, according to US officials. This decision follows the US's initial deployment of 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine in September 2023 as part of a broader aid package to support Ukraine's defense against Russia. However, the performance of these tanks has been mixed, with most losses attributed to strikes from above by drones and anti-tank guided weapons, highlighting the tanks' vulnerability in modern warfare.
The Biden administration is weighing the pros and cons of sending more Abrams tanks, as their deployment could then enable the 12 NATO nations that have Leopard 2 tanks to transfer them to Ukraine. This could further escalate the conflict with Russia, and President Joe Biden has not yet decided on the transfer of Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
The help plan also consists of 59 Bradley fighting vehicles, but their effectiveness in the ongoing conflict remains to be seen. The transfer of Abrams tanks would likely allow Germany to license the transfer of German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, further bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities.
However, the evolving nature of warfare has raised questions about the utility of traditional tanks like the Abrams in the current conflict, where air defenses and anti-drone capabilities are crucial. The loss of these tanks has highlighted the need for technologies that better counter modern threats. The US is investing in upgrades for the M1 Abrams fleet, including top attack protection and "stealth enhancing" paint, to improve survivability.
Russian drones have been bombarding private targets throughout Ukraine, knocking out vital power infrastructure as winter sets in. More than 10 months after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion into Ukraine, the two countries are engaged in a battle for control of areas throughout eastern and southern Ukraine. The new rule barring Ukrainian officials from personal travel abroad is expected to have a significant impact on the travel plans of Ukrainian officials and could further limit their ability to engage in diplomatic activities outside of the country. The future of the conflict remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: both Ukraine and Russia are committed to a fierce and protracted struggle for control of their shared border.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-mulls-sending-abrams-tanks-ukraine-amid-russian-attacks-2023-01-01/ [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/01/world/europe/ukraine-tanks-us.html [3] https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-loses-most-of-us-tanks-in-less-than-six-months-11664549798 [5] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/06/08/ukraine-loses-87-percent-of-us-tanks-in-less-than-six-months-of-use/
- The new rule barring Ukrainian officials from personal travel abroad could potentially limit their ability to engage in diplomatic activities beyond the country's borders, especially amid ongoing war-and-conflicts with Russia.
- As the United States deliberates on whether to send M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, politics surrounding this decision and its potential impact on general-news headlines continue to intensify, given the ongoing struggle for control of the shared border with Russia.
