The US is 'disappointed' as Australia transfers Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
Australia has announced it will transfer 49 decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine after receiving approval from the United States.
However, according to ABC, this decision reportedly drew criticism from US and Australian officials, who questioned Ukraine's ability to effectively operate this type of equipment due to logistical issues and the risk of vulnerability to Russian drones.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the handover had begun during a meeting with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky in Rome on May 18.
Because Abrams tanks are of American origin, this transfer required Washington's approval. ABC reported that although Washington eventually granted permission, U.S. officials privately expressed "disappointment" about the move.
An unnamed U.S. official told ABC: "Last year, even before Donald Trump returned to the presidency, we warned Australia that sending these Abrams tanks would be complicated, and once they reached the battlefield, Ukraine would find it difficult to maintain their operational status."
Australian defense officials have also expressed similar concerns. An ABC source noted: "We're starting to doubt whether Ukraine actually wants these vehicles. The roof is the Abrams tank's weakest point, and this is a drone war."
Previously, in late 2023, the US, under former President Joe Biden, provided 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
Russia claims to have destroyed several Abrams tanks. In May 2024, Russia displayed a captured Abrams tank at a military exhibition in Moscow alongside other Western military equipment.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned Western arms shipments to Ukraine, warning that they will only prolong the conflict without altering the ultimate outcome.