The first batch of American-made Abrams tanks arrived in Ukraine months ahead of schedule, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced, thanking Washington for keeping its word to help in the ongoing counteroffensive against Russian forces.

The much-needed tanks came just in time to help Ukraine advance in its nearly three-month-old counterstrike, which may be hampered with winter fast approaching.

“Good news from Minister Umerov. Abrams are already in Ukraine and are being prepared to reinforce our brigades”, wrote Zelensky on Telegram, adding that he was “grateful to allies”.

He did not say how many of the tanks arrived, though the US is expected to deliver 31 of the vehicles over the next several weeks.