The Pentagon will speed up the delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine and for this purpose decided to send Kiev a refurbished old model of the tank instead of the new M1A2.
This was reported by anonymous American officials in an interview with the Associated Press agency.
Initially, the USA planned to send Ukraine 31 new M1A2 Abrams tanks, the production and delivery of which could take a year or two.
But U.S. officials said a decision had already been made to send an older version of the M1A1 that could be taken from the Army's stockpile. According to officials, it will be easier for Ukrainian troops to learn how to use and maintain this model of tank.
The goal, which is now being talked about, is to deliver 70-ton combat vehicles to the combat zone in eight to ten months.
Officials spoke to the agency on condition of anonymity because the approved plan has not yet been made public.
Pentagon officials are expected to announce a decision soon.
The Biden administration announced its intention to send tanks to Ukraine in January. She took this step after months of insisting that they were too difficult to maintain and repair.