Russian-Installed Officials Claim Moscow Forces Destroy First US-Supplied Abrams Tank in Ukraine

 A Ukrainian soldier looks out of a shelter at the frontline in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP)
A Ukrainian soldier looks out of a shelter at the frontline in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP)
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Russian-Installed Officials Claim Moscow Forces Destroy First US-Supplied Abrams Tank in Ukraine

 A Ukrainian soldier looks out of a shelter at the frontline in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP)
A Ukrainian soldier looks out of a shelter at the frontline in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP)

Russian-installed officials said on Monday that Moscow's forces had for the first time destroyed a US-supplied Abrams tank in Ukraine, a battlefield claim that drew approving comment from the Kremlin.

Reuters could not immediately verify a video published on social media that purported to show an Abrams on fire.

"From the very beginning, our soldiers said that these tanks would burn just like others," state news agency RIA quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying. He was referring to previous instances where Russia says it has destroyed Western weaponry in Ukraine.

The United States began supplying the Abrams to Ukrainian forces last September.



European Leaders: Iran Must Not Take Destabilizing Action

A Pakistani woman holds a national flag of Iran during a rally in solidarity with the Iranian people, in Karachi, Pakistan, 22 June 2025. EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER
A Pakistani woman holds a national flag of Iran during a rally in solidarity with the Iranian people, in Karachi, Pakistan, 22 June 2025. EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER
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European Leaders: Iran Must Not Take Destabilizing Action

A Pakistani woman holds a national flag of Iran during a rally in solidarity with the Iranian people, in Karachi, Pakistan, 22 June 2025. EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER
A Pakistani woman holds a national flag of Iran during a rally in solidarity with the Iranian people, in Karachi, Pakistan, 22 June 2025. EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany on Sunday urged Iran not to take any actions that would further destabilize the region following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities overnight.

"We have consistently been clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security," the government heads of Germany, Britain, France, known as the E3, said in a joint statement.

"We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program. We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties."

The E3 also confirmed their support for the security of Israel, the statement said.

US forces struck Iran's three main nuclear sites, President Donald Trump said late on Saturday, warning Tehran it would face more devastating attacks if it does not agree to peace.

"We will continue our joint diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions and ensure the conflict does not intensify and spread further," the E3 statement said.