Ukrainian tank crews in the eastern front are ecstatic about the arrival of the first shipment of U.S. Abrams tanks in Kyiv. They believe that these tanks will provide them with better protection and more firepower in battle.
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine has received its first delivery of U.S. jet-powered Abrams tanks to bolster their defense against Russia’s invasion. This is seen as a significant development in the 19-month-old war. The top U.S. general, Mark Milley, has hailed the Abrams tanks as the best in the world and believes that they will make a difference on the battlefield. With their powerful engine, 120 mm main gun, and special armor, Abrams tanks are particularly lethal against heavy armor forces.
Ukrainian tank crews currently training in the Donetsk region are eagerly anticipating the deployment of the Abrams tanks. They believe that these tanks will be a major upgrade from the outdated Soviet-era tanks they currently operate.
“The Abrams tank has protection against ammunition detonation. (This tank) does not have it. If ammunition detonates, there is no chance to survive,” said tank driver Vitalii, 29.
A tank commander known as “Wel” expressed the need for additional firepower and protection provided by Abrams and other Western tanks like the German-made Leopard. He believes foreign weapons are superior in terms of armor and effectiveness. During recent drills, tank crews maneuvered through wooded terrain and scrubland in their Soviet-era tanks.
Referring to Russians derogatively, he said, “My friends who were trained to drive Leopard tanks and took part in assaults told me that T-72 tanks, which belong to the Orcs, were penetrated (by the Leopard tanks) as if it were a frying pan. It’s very quick. It takes only one or two shells, and there is nothing left.”
