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The British government announced this week that it would supply Ukraine with depleted uranium (DU) armour-piercing shells.
Immediately, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin (70) threatened: Russia would “respond accordingly, as the collective West begins to use weapons with a ‘nuclear component'”. Even if depleted uranium is radioactive, one cannot directly speak of a nuclear weapon.
1
What is Depleted Uranium?
Depleted uranium is a naturally occurring type of uranium from which most, but not all, radioactive components have been removed. It is a waste product that results from the manufacture of nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.
2
Why is DU used for weapons?
Weapons enriched with DU are more powerful and durable. It is also used to strengthen armor. The US Army uses this method on their Abrams M1 tanks.
It can also be applied to the tips of projectiles, mortar shells and tank shells to pierce the armor of other tanks. Depleted uranium projectiles also burst into flames on impact, making them even more dangerous.
3
What weapons are supplied to Ukraine?
The British Ministry of Defense says it will supply the Ukrainian armed forces with depleted uranium shells for the 14 Challenger 2 tanks it will send to Kiev.
According to the Defense Ministry, this allows Ukrainian tank crews to fire at enemy targets from a greater distance and reduces their exposure to return fire.
4
How problematic is the delivery?
According to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, British depleted uranium missiles may be “legally used in an international armed conflict”.
Marina Miron of Kings College London told the BBC: “The use of these missiles could threaten Russia to use nuclear weapons itself.” This means that if Ukraine uses these weapons, it could backfire.
But she also emphasizes: “Depleted uranium bullets are not considered nuclear weapons.” Because the weapons are not intended to poison people or the environment, but are used for their ability to pierce armor.
5
So are DU weapons harmless to humans and the environment?
Yes – the light radiation affects the human body and the environment. The UN General Assembly commissioned a study into the health effects of depleted uranium weapons in 2007, and international agencies have conducted several other studies.
A 2022 United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report said it was concerned about the potential use of depleted uranium in Ukraine, warning that it “may cause skin irritation and kidney failure and increase the risk of cancer”. “The chemical toxicity of depleted uranium is considered a more significant problem than the potential impact of its radioactivity,” the report said.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
