MILITARY
Putin warns UK over depleted uranium tank shells
March 22, 2023 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow would be “forced to react” if Britain provides Ukraine with armour-piercing tank ammunition that contains depleted uranium.
He accused the West of deploying weapons with a “nuclear component”.
The UK confirmed it would provide Kyiv with the armour-piercing rounds alongside Challenger 2 tanks – but insisted they have a low risk of radiation.
Depleted uranium “is a standard component and has nothing to do with nuclear weapons”, the MoD said.
“The British Army has used depleted uranium in its armour piercing shells for decades,” the statement added.
“Russia knows this, but is deliberately trying to disinform. Independent research by scientists from groups such as the Royal Society has assessed that any impact to personal health and the environment from the use of depleted uranium munitions is likely to be low.”