What's happened
Ukraine has withdrawn US-supplied Abrams tanks from the front lines due to the threat posed by Russian drone warfare tactics. The decision comes after five tanks were lost to Russian attacks, highlighting the challenges faced by Ukraine in protecting the tanks from detection and destruction.
Why it matters
The withdrawal of the tanks underscores the impact of Russian drone warfare on the conflict in Ukraine, forcing a strategic shift in military tactics. The loss of tanks to Russian attacks demonstrates the evolving nature of modern warfare and the need for adaptive responses to emerging threats.
What the papers say
The Independent and South China Morning Post both highlight the impact of Russian drone warfare on Ukraine's ability to operate the US-supplied tanks effectively. The Independent emphasizes the challenges posed by the drones, leading to the decision to move the tanks away from the front lines. In contrast, South China Morning Post focuses on the loss of tanks to Russian attacks, indicating the real consequences of the drone threat on the battlefield.
How we got here
Ukraine received 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks from the US in January 2023 to counter Russia's invasion. However, the use of Russian surveillance drones and hunter-killer drones has made it increasingly difficult for Ukraine to protect the tanks, resulting in the decision to withdraw them from the front lines.
Common question
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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The M1 Abrams is a third-generation American main battle tank designed by Chrysler Defense and named for General Creighton Abrams.
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