Biden says U.S. will send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine

President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that the United States will be sending Ukraine 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks, a major shift in policy from the previous administration. The move follows Germany's decision to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

The tanks are seen as a symbol of the U.S.'s commitment to Ukraine and its fight against Russian aggression. The Biden administration has made it clear that they stand with Ukraine in their struggle for freedom and independence.

"This is an important step forward in our support for Ukraine," said President Biden in his remarks Wednesday. "We are sending a clear message to Russia and other aggressors that we will not stand idly by while they seek to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty."

The U.S. has long been a supporter of Ukraine, providing economic aid, military assistance, and diplomatic support since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and began its military intervention in eastern Ukraine. This latest move marks a significant escalation of U.S.-Ukraine relations, signaling the Biden administration's commitment to supporting Ukrainian security and sovereignty.

The tanks are expected to arrive in Ukraine within the next few months, just as tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been escalating due to increased Russian military activity near the border with eastern Ukraine.

It is unclear how Russia will respond to this move, but it is likely that they will view it as an act of aggression against them and could lead to further escalations in tensions between the two countries.