While Ukraine now operates a limited number of Abrams tanks, and not the most advanced versions, Ukrainian soldiers have expressed high praise for their performance.
"It's better than the T-72, T-62, and even Russia's latest T-90 tank," a Ukrainian tank commander told Business Insider.
Designed during the Cold War to counter Soviet tanks, the Abrams features more robust armor and prioritizes crew survivability. Veterans who have operated Abrams tanks in Iraq noted their ability to withstand hits from T-72 shells, describing how the projectiles would "bounce off" while the tank remained operational and continued to inflict damage.
Additionally, Abrams tanks are equipped with depleted uranium shells capable of penetrating enemy armor - a capability most Russian tanks lack.