Russian forces have captured a U.S.-supplied M1A1 Abrams tank near Pokrovsk in the contested Donetsk region, marking a significant blow to the already limited number of these tanks in Ukrainian service. This capture adds to a series of setbacks for Ukraine’s 47th Mechanized Brigade, which had been equipped with Abrams tanks, Leopard 2A6s, American Bradley fighting vehicles, and M109 howitzers. The 47th Brigade’s elite status had made it a priority for receiving Ukraine’s newest military assets, but the Abrams tanks have not fared well in the ongoing conflict.

Since the initial deployment of the Abrams on February 23, multiple tanks have been destroyed, disabled, or captured by Russian forces. The first loss occurred just three days after their arrival, and losses continued at a steady pace, leading to a temporary withdrawal and increased armor protection measures. Despite these efforts, Ukrainian Abrams have continued to fall into Russian hands.

The latest confirmed capture, an image of which was released on September 14, shows another Abrams tank seized near the Pokrovsk region, following the loss of similar tanks earlier in the conflict. Over 20 of the 31 Abrams tanks delivered to Ukraine have either been destroyed, disabled, or captured, with Russian forces often using guided artillery and kamikaze drones to destroy or disable these high-profile targets. The large size and vulnerability of the Abrams, combined with issues like susceptibility of electronic components to condensation and shortages of compatible high explosive rounds, have led to dissatisfaction with their performance.

In contrast to Ukraine’s older Soviet-era tanks, the Abrams’ larger profile has made them easier to target, and their size has resulted in them drawing more fire. As the number of operational Abrams tanks in Ukraine dwindles, the future role of U.S. heavy armor in the conflict remains uncertain, with Russian forces increasingly gaining the upper hand in terms of tank captures.