M1 Abrams tanks – Latest News and Analysis – Page 1 | Straight Arrow News

Straight Arrow News

Unbiased. Straight Facts.^TM

Ex-Google CEO wants AI drones in modern warfare, calls tanks ‘useless’

October 30, 2024

Google’s former CEO, Eric Schmidt, has called on the U.S. military to replace its tanks with AI-powered drones, arguing these autonomous technologies offer significant cost and strategic advantages over traditional armored vehicles. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Saudi Arabia, Schmidt emphasized drones could eventually render tanks, artillery and mortars obsolete.

Schmidt launched a startup to produce autonomous, GPS-resistant drones. He pointed out the disparity in cost between a drone and a tank.

“A $5,000 drone can destroy a $5 million tank. Give them away, right? Buy drones instead. In fact, buy 10, buy 20, buy 50, buy 100,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt has a background as a former chair of both the U.S. Defense Innovation Board and the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Schmidt has been a longstanding advocate for advancing defense technology.

He has previously suggested that the rapid development of AI could reshape military capabilities as profoundly as nuclear advancements did in the 20th century.

Despite the potential that Schmidt sees in drones, he expressed frustration over what he described as the slow pace of adaptation within Western militaries. He highlighted the rapid innovation observed in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, where both sides have continually updated their drone tactics.

While Schmidt’s views have gained traction, some military analysts urge caution. They argue that traditional weaponry, such as tanks, retains significant value when backed by strong logistics and sound tactical planning.

In Ukraine, tanks remain pivotal, illustrating that while drones bring new capabilities, conventional armored platforms still play a role in modern combat strategies.
The M1A2 Abrams Tank is still a formidable force: Weapon of the week

August 28, 2024
The M1A2 Abrams has been America’s main battle tank for a number of years and through a number of upgrades. The third-generation main battle tank has been in service in multiple variants since 1980 and remains at the tip of the spear for the American soldier.

The tank was originally built by Chrysler Defense, and is now constructed by General Dynamics Land Systems. The original incarnation, the M-1, first rolled off the production line in 1980.

Five years later, the upgraded M1A1 variant was created, with both of these tanks seeing action in Operation Desert Storm. Two years after the second variant, the M1A2 joined the lineup, and besides some enhancements has remained America’s main battle tank ever since.

Built for a crew of four, the M1A2 brought new technology, notably thermal imaging, a computerized fire control system and reactive armor. The new variant weighs more than some competing main battle tanks at 70 tons, but comes with a bit more firepower.

Weapons include its 120mm smoothbore cannon, capable of fielding a wide variety of ammunition, and it can fire at targets three to four kilometers, or around two and a half miles, away. It also includes two M-240 machine guns and a .50 Caliber M2.

Recent upgrades saw a commander’s weapons station with a thermal viewer on the left side of the turret and an inter-vehicle information system. The latter allows crews to stay in constant contact with other vehicles on the battlefield.

In terms of armor, the M1A2 SEPv3 is capable of withstanding hits from RPGs and even anti-tank missiles in some scenarios. The latest upgrades also give it extra shoot-on-the-move firepower and joint interoperability.

Access the full Weapons and Warfare episode here.

Access all Weapons and Warfare podcast episodes here.
Related Stories
Drone-hunting robot ‘tank’ could be US Army’s new workhorse

October 13, 2023

The United States is gearing up for a potential fight with China. For the Navy, Air Force and Marines, that mainly means robotic aircraft, boats and submersibles. For the U.S. Army, it’s robotic combat vehicles (RCVs) like the TRX SHORAD from General Dynamics Land Systems.

The TRX SHORAD is a diesel-electric hybrid tracked vehicle with short range air defense capabilities. It was recently named “Best New Product” at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual convention — and for good reason.

https://twitter.com/GD_LandSystems/status/1712098859982184554

TRX stands for Tracked Robot 10-ton. It serves as the base chassis for a growing list of payloads. As the name implies, it weighs about 10 tons — significantly less than every main battle tank currently in use by world militaries. The TRX can be transported on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter or a C-130 airplane.

The TRX is also able to generate what GDLS describes as “exportable power.” Essentially, whatever power a payload may require, the TRX will be able to meet the need.

In the SHORAD variant, it’s armed with a 30 mm cannon and eight Stinger missiles. Stingers were originally designed as shoulder-launched heat-seeking missiles. They are effective against helicopters, low-flying planes and drones. The 30 mm cannon will take care of smaller unmanned aerial systems, like the ones being used in Ukraine.

RTX recalling retired employees to build Stinger missiles

The TRX SHORAD can provide close air support for soldiers trying to operate in contested environments. The 30 mm cannon is also effective against enemy ground troops and some lightly armored vehicles.

GDLS said in a post on X that the “TRX SHORAD is designed to bring a new dimension of combat power in SHORAD battalions and provides autonomy within a tiered, layered air defense.”

The TRX boasts a class-leading 1:1 payload capacity ratio. So, aside from the SHORAD configuration, GDLS said the TRX can carry just about any configuration the Army wants.

https://twitter.com/GD_LandSystems/status/1711413063646126392

For instance, a promotional video from GDLS shows a TRX configured to carry what appear to be 24 tube-launched Switchblade 600s made by AeroVironment. Switchblade 600s are precision strike loitering munitions, designed to take out tanks and other armored vehicles.

The TRX is one of four robotic platforms the Army is reviewing for its Robotic Combat Vehicle Competition. GDLS will submit two prototype variations of the TRX during Phase 1 of the open competition. The prototypes are scheduled to be delivered to the Army in August 2024.

“We are honored to have been chosen to continue to work with the Army on the Robotic Combat Vehicle program,” said GDLS Vice President and General Manager for U.S. Operations Gordon Stein. “TRX features innovative thinking, ranging from its AI-enhanced design to advanced, lightweight materials and a hybrid-electric propulsion system. Its power and size make it an ideal platform for multirole Human Machine Integration on today’s battlefield.”

In a similar fashion to how the Navy and Air Force want Collaborative Combat Aircraft to fly in formations with human pilots, the Army wants robotic vehicles to maneuver at speed with human soldiers as well, a concept called Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).

Recently, the Army Science Board performed an independent analysis of the M1 Abrams tank and found it won’t be able to dominate the 2040 battlefield. The Army hopes smaller RCVs like the TRX can help the U.S. maintain its position as the world’s foremost land force.
US sending Ukraine depleted uranium rounds is ‘bad news’ for Russia

September 8, 2023

Abrams tanks aren’t even in Ukraine yet, and Russia is already giving the United States flak about the type of ammunition the tanks will shoot. During the week of Sept. 3, the U.S. said it would supply depleted uranium (DU) rounds to Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The U.K. already gave Ukraine DU rounds back in March.

https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1700067701027135835

Depleted uranium is a by-product of making enriched uranium, which is used in nuclear reactors and weapons. But depleted uranium is exactly that — depleted. It’s less radioactive than the naturally occurring material.

Depleted uranium is also dense. Extremely dense. Which is why countries like the U.K., the U.S. and Russia started using it for weapons and armor decades ago.

So, how exactly do depleted uranium rounds work?

DU rounds — like other conventional munitions — contain a projectile, propellent and an ignitor. DU rounds also have sabots to stabilize the main projectile.

Once fired, the projectile becomes a super-heated metal dart that doesn’t dent on impact. Instead, the dense depleted uranium stays sharp to pierce armored vehicles. When that happens, shards of the vehicle’s own armor fly through the interior with lethal velocity. Depleted uranium also ignites when exposed to oxygen. So, the projectile can cause a fire inside enemy vehicles, cooking off whatever ammunition or fuel is inside.

Russia is rushing to replace tanks lost in Ukraine

Russia is already losing more armor in Ukraine than it can make. Once Ukraine starts launching DU sabot rounds from Abrams tanks — arguably some of the best tanks ever made — the number of Russian armored vehicles lost to the scrap pile will no doubt increase.

For all their effectiveness on the battlefield, DU rounds don’t come without controversy.

Critics say the DU rounds may be less radioactive than naturally occurring uranium, but they are still radioactive and can cause cancer.

Russia offering cash bounties for tanks as Leopard 2s arrive in Ukraine

The U.S. military studied the claims and said there is no proof depleted uranium has led to a spike in cancer among its troops. The United Nations said while not a bomb, there are still risks with depleted uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency said DU is mainly a toxic chemical, and troops who handle the material should wear protective apparel like gloves.

The Kremlin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the U.S. giving Ukraine depleted uranium was “very bad news.” Peskov claimed the U.S. using DU rounds in the former Yugoslavia led to a “galloping rise” in cancers and other illnesses in the area.

Ukraine tells critics come help with Russia or ‘shut up’

When the U.K. gave Ukraine DU rounds earlier this year, Russia responded by putting nuclear weapons in Belarus. Putin said he was responding accordingly since “the collective West is starting to use weapons with a ‘nuclear component.’”

DU isn’t always used for its offensive capabilities though. During Operation Desert Storm, the U.S. outfitted its Abrams tanks with depleted uranium armor. Not a single tank was penetrated by Iraqi fire.

It’s unclear if the Abrams tanks the U.S. is giving to Ukraine will include the same sort of DU armor. The Pentagon said the first 10 of the promised 31 Abrams should be in Ukraine within the next few weeks. The remaining tanks will be delivered by the end of the year.

How, why Russia might use nuclear weapons in Ukraine

Reuters contributed to this report.

Tags: Dmitry Peskov, International Atomic Energy Agency, Kremlin, M1 Abrams tanks, Russia, The Pentagon, Ukraine, Ukraine aid, Uranium, Vladimir Putin
Russia warns of WWIII, US accelerates Abrams tanks deliveries to Ukraine

April 25, 2023

While the world waits for Ukraine’s counteroffensive, Russia is rattling its nuclear sabers once again. Sensing the urgency of the situation, the United States is also speeding up delivery on the Abrams tanks it promised Ukraine.

🇷🇺 @MedvedevRussia has found a solution to the problem of global warming – nuclear war!
This is what he told the Russian youth at the Znanie Enlightenment Forum.

Are you still concerned about the environment and climate?
Then first you need to decide what to do about Medvedev… pic.twitter.com/4YuKzYpqFI
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) April 25, 2023

On April 25, Dmitry Medvedev, a Putin ally and the former president and prime minister of Russia, said “the world is sick and quite probably on the verge of a new world war.” He added the risks of nuclear confrontation in Ukraine were also rising.

It’s not the first time Putin or his allies threatened to use nukes in Ukraine. It likely won’t be the last.

The fighting in Ukraine is still centered around the city of Bakhmut. Russia tried for months, and failed, to take the city. Russia’s inability to make significant battlefield gains is also reportedly causing in-fighting between Russian soldiers and mercenaries from the Wagner Group.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in its April 23 briefing it observed a group of Russian troops exchanging fire with Wagner forces in a shootout in Luhansk.

Russians firing on, and killing, other Russians is becoming a recurring theme in this war. Russian civilians are also at risk of friendly fire. On April 20, a Russian jet bombed an apartment building in the Russian city of Belgorod. Authorities reported two women were injured.

Ukrainians are busy preparing for their much anticipated counteroffensive. Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said there would be no announcement signaling the start counteroffensive, for obvious security reasons. There are indicators, however, which could be used to decipher the timing. For instance, it needs to stop raining first. Ukraine’s mud season is very real and makes maneuvering heavy vehicles like tanks difficult. Things typically dry out after May 1 in Ukraine.

Also, if the classified Discord documents are to be believed, Ukraine’s air defenses were set to run out of ammunition by the end of May. Ground attacks tend to go better if troops have air support.

⚡️U.S Defense secretary says Abrams tanks to be used for training for Ukrainians to arrive in Germany in next few weeks pic.twitter.com/Y3auOV1P8s
— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) April 21, 2023

The U.S. and other NATO allies are speeding up, and in some cases increasing, aid deliveries. Even the 31 Abrams tanks the U.S. promised Ukraine, which were originally supposed to take a year to get there, will now be in country by fall. That’s too late for the counteroffensive but could be just in time to reinforce any new positions Ukraine may occupy at that time.

Originally, the U.S. said it didn’t have enough Abrams tanks in its stockpiles to send Ukraine, so it would have to build new ones. Apparently there were enough Abrams in storage after all, though, so the U.S. will now refurbish the promised tanks instead.

General Mark Milley said the Abrams isn’t a silver bullet, but he has no doubt the greatest tank in the world will have a dramatic impact on the battlefield.

BREAKING:

The first Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks have appeared in Ukraine.

Poland sent 30 such tanks in this batch.

Poland has around 200 PT-91s left. All of them are likely to be sent once Poland starts receiving its ordered American Abrams and South Korean K2 tanks.

🇵🇱🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/R71gv92sGX
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 17, 2023

Poland is so confident in the Abrams’ ability that it ordered more than 360 of them from the U.S. As other European countries look to replenish the tanks they sent to Ukraine, it’s likely even more Abrams will be deployed to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. Seeing an opportunity, Poland’s Prime Minister said he wants to establish an Abrams service center in his country, to maintain battle readiness for all the Abrams in Europe.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Russia offering cash bounties for tanks as Leopard 2s arrive in Ukraine

March 21, 2023
The first of Poland’s promised Leopard 2 tanks are in Ukraine. More tanks from the U.S. and allied countries will be arriving in country over the next several weeks.

Canada delivers its next batch of Leopard 2 tanks to Europe.

After arriving in Poland, it will be sent straight to Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/0lYyiDPp32

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 19, 2023

The modern armor is expected to play a critical role in Ukraine’s pending spring counteroffensive. U.S.-made Abrams tanks and the German Leopard 2s are two of the most advanced tanks on the planet.

Russia’s top commanders are well aware of that fact, which is why they’re setting more than just their sights on the Western tanks; they’re offering cash rewards for their capture as well.

Forbes reported that a Russian oil company called Fores started offering around $70,000 to soldiers for the intact capture of an Abrams or Leopard 2 tank. At that time, the bounty was four times what the average Russian makes in a year.

Russian businessmen set a reward of 10 million rubles for each knocked out Abrams tank https://t.co/LXpViGIyeP pic.twitter.com/umAOMvGRFA

— Victor vicktop55 (@vicktop55) January 29, 2023

In February 2023, another group raised the bounty to $170,000 and included Britain’s Challenger 2s in the tanks for cash scheme. The idea of offering cash bounties was praised by the Kremlin, and now it seems Moscow wants to get in on the action as well.

The government’s bounties are for destroyed tanks. According to a report from the Conflict Intelligence Team, the Russian Ministry of Defense is offering:
- $6500 to destroy a Leopard, Abrams or Challenger tank
- $3900 for HIMARS and similar rockets systems
- $2600 for a helicopter
- $1300 for older tanks
The likelihood Russia pays out a bounty to individual soldiers for destroying enemy armor and vehicles is slim. Most of the destroyed Ukrainian armor and vehicles were a result of Russian artillery and minefields. That means proving which soldier is responsible for destroying individual pieces of equipment could be nearly impossible.

However, there is a chance Russia could capture Western tanks. If that happens, more enemy nations than Russia would benefit. In 2022, Russia traded cash and captured weapons to Iran for a shipment of kamikaze drones. Experts have said Iran is now trying to reverse-engineer the weapons, which included U.S.-made Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.

Since the start of the war, Russia captured 146 Ukrainian tanks. Most were from the Soviet era. Using past figures to predict future outcomes, it’s possible Russia could capture a dozen or so Western tanks in the next year of fighting.

It’s too early to tell if Russia’s bounty program for captured or destroyed Western tanks is having an impact on the battlefield. However, Russia’s military leadership may be relying too much on monetary gain as motivation for its troops. According to a U.S. Army War College study, most soldiers today fight for the people in their unit, not to achieve riches.

TRENDING REPORTS:
Russia deploying T-14 Armata to counter Western tanks in Ukraine

February 16, 2023

Russia is losing a lot of tanks in Ukraine. Western intelligence thinks Russia has lost somewhere between 40% and 50% of its pre-war fleet.

Leopard 2s and Abrams tanks from the West will soon bolster Ukraine’s armored divisions, which means Russia may be forced to put its T-14 Armata into wider service.

Russia has expressed its willingness to collaborate with India and provide access to its T-14 Armata tank technology for the purpose of jointly developing a new Main Battle Tank (MBT). pic.twitter.com/2bIhBtglSm

— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) February 16, 2023

According to British intelligence, it’s not hyperbole to say the Armata represents the greatest leap forward in tank engineering since they were first introduced to the battlefield.

The turret is completely unmanned. It’s remote operated from within the main body of the tank where the three man-crew sits in an armored cell. In addition to a base armor made of steel, ceramics and composite material, the Armata also boasts explosive reactive armor Russia claims is next generation.

The 125-millimeter smoothbore main gun features an auto-loader and can fire programmable ammunition and anti-tank missiles. Targeting is made easier through electrical armament stabilizers and turret traverse systems. In layman’s terms, that means the gunner can find their target and fire faster.

While the Armata may be the most armored tank in the world, it can also move. The tank has seven road wheels and can reach a max road speed of 75 kph, which is slightly faster than the Abrams and Leopard 2s.

There have been reports of a few T-14 sightings in Ukraine already, but up until now, Russia has been hesitant to put its best main battle tank into full service. That’s changing with more advanced Western weapons being put to use by Ukraine.

It’s a similar story with Russia’s best fighter jet, the Su-57 Felon. British intelligence said Russia has used the Felon sparingly for fear it may get shot down in Ukraine, which would be an obvious blow to troop morale, and would expose sensitive technology.

(1/6) Since at least June 2022, Russian Aerospace Forces have almost certainly used Su-57 FELON to conduct missions against Ukraine. FELON is Russia's most advanced fifth-generation supersonic combat jet, employing stealth technologies and highly advanced avionics.

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 9, 2023

Some of the new technology on the Felon now reportedly makes the plane bionic, according to Popular Mechanics. Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau said it created new landing gear for the Su-57 that is a “bionic design,” most likely referring to the use of organic-like components. Sukhoi said the new gear is lighter and easier to produce.

The Su-57 is a twin-engine stealth fighter that entered Russian service in 2020. Western sanctions and supply line issues have hampered production of the aircraft. The Russian Ministry of Defense said it plans to have a fleet of 24 Felons in the sky by 2025.
US denies Ukraine’s request for long-range missiles

February 14, 2023

As the world nears one year since the Russia-Ukraine War began, the U.S. has supplied Ukraine with the most military assistance and aid by far. Even with the money and equipment already sent, Kyiv is still requesting more weapons as a lifeline in the war.

The U.S. has denied Ukraine’s request for long-range missiles. Officials said there aren’t enough missiles in the stockpile to share. The U.S. is concerned it wouldn’t have enough long-range missiles for its own military’s readiness if it sent the artillery overseas.

It’s not only long-range missiles that are on Ukraine’s wishlist from America. Tuesday, Ukraine renewed its plea for fighter jets. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been vocal in asking allies to provide combat planes. Fighter jets are just another request that the U.S. has already declined to grant. Ukraine’s request comes just days after Western countries pledged to provide Kyiv with fighter tanks.

While Ukraine is asking for heavy military equipment, NATO allies say the focus should be on keeping Ukraine’s ammunition stocked. NATO’s secretary general has said supplying Ukraine with proper weaponry is “urgent” as the war enters what U.S. and NATO officials are calling a “critical phase.”

Those officials predict the war will ramp up when the weather warms. They also predict that both Ukraine and Russia will execute offensive plans in the spring.
Midday rundown: Russia on verge of ‘collision’ with US, TikTok CEO to testify

January 30, 2023

Russia says it’s on a collision course with the U.S. and NATO, TikTok’s CEO is set to appear before Congress, and Smokey Robinson has a new album coming out. These stories and more highlight your midday rundown for Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.

Russia calls U.S. tanks extremely destructive

Last week, the U.S. announced it will send Abrams tanks to Ukraine, but they could take months to get there. Now, Russia’s deputy foreign minister says his country is on the verge of a direct collision with the U.S. and NATO. He also called the Biden administration’s decision to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine an extremely destructive step.

Russia is warning that it’s possible there will be no nuclear arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia, because Washington wants to inflict strategic defeat on Moscow.

Germany and other European countries are sending Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

“Tanks also provide the ability to move efficiently around a battlefield, but of course they have much more fire power. So, it’s perfectly understandable why President Zelenskyy, facing what he’s facing in the Donbas, and expecting to face those same threats going forward in coming weeks would want some tanks some additional tanks. It’s not like he doesn’t have any, but additional tanks to support his offensive and defensive operations in that particular part of the country,” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said.

100,000 chickens die in fire

As many as 100,000 chickens are dead after a fire broke out at Hillandale Farms in Connecticut. It took 21 fire crews eight hours to battle the blaze. Officials said a 400-by-50-foot coop was lost but 13 other coops were saved.

This fire will not help the already struggling chicken population. The cost of a dozen eggs more than doubled last year, in part, because the bird flu led to the death of 44 million hens. That population decrease came at the same time as rising feed, fuel and labor costs, which created a perfect storm for a price increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for a dozen eggs was $4.25 in December. A year prior, the price was $1.79.

TikTok CEO testifies to Congress

TikTok’s CEO will testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 23. It will be Shou Zi Chew’s first appearance before Congress. Committee Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers said Chew will testify on his company’s consumer privacy and data security practices, the platform’s impact on kids, and their relationship with the Chinese Communist Party.

“Big tech has increasingly become a destructive force in American society. Americans deserve to know how these actions impact their privacy and data security, as well as what actions TikTok is taking to keep our kids safe from online and offline harms,” said Chairwoman Rodgers in a statement.

TikTok has been under increased scrutiny in Washington. Next month, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will vote on a bill. If signed into law, it would block the app entirely in the United States.

At least 34 dead, 150 wounded in Pakistan bombing

At least 34 people are dead and 150 people are wounded after a suicide bombing in Pakistan. The attack took place at a mosque inside a police compound and officials say most of the victims are members of law enforcement.

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility.

The attacker snuck inside the walled compound which is located inside a high security zone with government buildings. 300 worshippers were in attendance when the attacker set off an explosive vest. Many were injured when the roof collapsed.

The country has experienced an increase in militant attacks since November when the Pakistani Taliban ended a cease-fire with government forces.

Avatar surpasses Star Wars

“Avatar 2: The Way of Water” has officially surpassed “Star Wars The Force Awakens” at the box office, making an estimated $2.1 billion worldwide. The success of Avatar’s sequel has given director James Cameron three of the four highest grossing films of all time.

Here are the top four films: Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, Titanic and Avatar: The Way of Water. James Cameron’s Titanic, Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water have made more than $7.2 billion.

Smokey Robinson releases new music

Smokey Robinson, the “King of Motown,” is scheduled to release his first solo album in nearly a decade. It’s titled Gasms and it’s coming out April 28. The album will have nine tracks, and was written and produced by Robinson himself. One of the album’s singles “If We Don’t Have Each Other” is already available to stream.

The 82-year-old is also going on tour. The tour starts March 3, 2023, in Atlantic city, New Jersey and includes stops in the D.C. area, Las Vegas, and California.
‘Makes no sense’: Sen. Graham calls out Republicans who question Ukraine aid

January 25, 2023

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is calling out Republicans who question whether the U.S. should continue providing financial and military aid to Ukraine. Graham’s statement came as President Biden announced the U.S. will send the country 31 Abrams tanks to help defeat Russia.

“So this idea that we can’t help Ukraine because we got a broken border really makes no sense. Because every problem we have gets worse. That’s like saying we can only fight the Germans or the Japanese, we can’t fight them both. You have to do what you have to do to secure the country,” Graham said.

A few House Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., have criticized sending billions to Ukraine without increasing funding for security along the U.S. southern border. Just before the midterm elections, Greene criticized Democrats’ priorities.

“The only border they care about is Ukraine, not America’s southern border,” Greene said at a Trump rally. “Under Republicans, not another penny will go to Ukraine. Our country comes first. They don’t care about our border or our people.”

When Republicans took control of Congress, Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he may rein in Ukraine aid and certainly wasn’t supportive of a blank check. Although he privately assured top Republicans who are in charge of national security matters that he will still support Ukraine and just wants better oversight.

Graham just returned from a trip to Ukraine with Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. The bipartisan duo said if Putin is allowed to get away with the invasion, it will have significant ramifications beyond Eastern Europe. They added it could even make Chinese President Xi Jingping believe he could invade Taiwan without consequences.

“So the cost of defeating Putin is a good investment in stability of the world at large. I don’t want to live in a world where people can take things of others without consequence. I don’t want to live in a world where militaries can rape women en masse,” Graham said.

Graham and Blumenthal are urging members of Congress to go to Ukraine and meet with President Zelenskyy, and then go to Poland to meet with the U.S. general who is overseeing logistics for military support.

Demo mode ×