WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the White House announcement that the United States will send 31 M1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine in its defense against Russia.

“I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration’s decisive action to provide the Ukrainian people with critically needed military aid, including M1 Abrams main battle tanks.

“I also welcome Germany’s decision to provide Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine and approve export licenses allowing other countries to send their own Leopard 2s to Ukraine.

“The United States’ and its allies’ continued support of Ukraine and its right to exist as a sovereign nation in the face of ongoing, brutal Russian aggression sends a clear message to Ukraine, to Russia, to our European allies, and to the world that Russia must not be allowed to succeed in destroying Ukraine as a country. As we near the one-year anniversary of Putin’s unprovoked war, it is more important than ever that the United States continues to provide necessary resources and weapons to the people of Ukraine as they show resilience and courage in the defense of their homeland.”

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