WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukraine has sidelined U.S.-provided Abrams M1A1 battle tanks for now in its fight against Russia, in part because Russian drone warfare has made it too difficult for them to operate without detection or coming under attack, two U.S. military officials told The Associated Press. The U.S. agreed to send 31 Abrams to Ukraine in January 2023 after an aggressive monthslong campaign by Kyiv arguing that the tanks, which cost about $10 million apiece, were vital to its ability to breach Russian lines. But the battlefield has changed substantially since then, notably by the ubiquitous use of Russian surveillance drones and hunter-killer drones. Those weapons have made it more difficult for Ukraine to protect the tanks when they are quickly detected and hunted by Russian drones or rounds. Five of the 31 tanks have already been lost to Russian attacks. |
VOX POPULI: Palestinian writer’s novel is a poignant echo of Gaza tragedyAfrobeats star Davido to sue over Kenyan April Fool’s jokeHong Kong bids farewell to independent bookstore Mount ZeroBrazil's Central Bank reduces basic interest rate to 10.75% per yearOngoing withdrawals from savings pressure Brazil’s real estate marketWhat a dirty office kitchen says about your workplace cultureHK drops push for law protecting mainland Chinese against discriminationSouth China Sea dispute: Coast guard ship and supply boat 'rammed' by Chinese vesselsDeputies surround burglar inside Pico Rivera funeral homeVOX POPULI: ‘Dr. Slump’ creator made his mark with toilet humor