Russia Condemns British Plans to Send Depleted Uranium Ammunition to Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken out against the recent announcement by Britain to send tank ammunition containing depleted uranium to Ukraine. While in London, Minister of State for Defence Annabel Goldie revealed that the ammunition for the Challenger 2 battle tanks being sent to Ukraine includes depleted uranium armour piercing rounds.
Putin stated that this move could force Moscow to respond accordingly, since the West has already begun using weapons with a nuclear component. However, he did not elaborate on what his response would be. Russian politicians and commentators have made aggressive statements indicating that Moscow would be prepared to deploy its vast nuclear arsenal if necessary.
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu emphasized that the decision by the British government leaves fewer steps before a potential “nuclear collision” between Russia and the West. Depleted uranium is used in weapons due to its density and physical properties which allow it to penetrate tanks and armor more easily. However, it poses a significant health risk around impact sites where dust can enter people’s lungs and vital organs.
Shoigu added that Russia has “something to answer this with.” Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called the plan the “Yugoslavia scenario” due to the possible cancer risk and environmental contamination caused by the ammunition.
In response, the UK Ministry of Defence stated that the ammunition is not prohibited under international law and has been carefully selected to minimize any potential risks to human health and the environment.
The situation between Russia and Ukraine has been tense ever since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and much of eastern Ukraine remains under the control of Russian-backed separatists. The use of depleted uranium ammunition could escalate the already strained relationship between Russia and the West.
