Ukraine war: US to arm Kyiv with depleted uranium tank shells

Depleted uranium shells are specialized munitions made from depleted uranium, a by-product of the uranium enrichment process that has been stripped of most of its radioactive material. These shells are designed to pierce conventional tank armor due to their extreme density. It's important to note that depleted uranium cannot generate a nuclear reaction and is considered "considerably less radioactive than natural uranium" by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The decision to supply 120mm uranium tank rounds, worth $175 million, is part of the $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine. These rounds are intended for M1 Abrams tanks scheduled for delivery to Ukraine later in the year. Depleted uranium shells are favored for their ability to penetrate tank armor effectively upon impact and subsequent ignition.

Notably, this move follows a similar decision by the UK in March to supply depleted uranium shells to Ukraine for its Challenger 2 tanks. Russia reacted strongly to this announcement, with President Vladimir Putin referring to the weapons as having a "nuclear component." The UK Ministry of Defence countered that it had used depleted uranium in its armor-piercing shells for decades and accused Moscow of spreading misinformation.

While the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation has not found significant poisoning caused by exposure to depleted uranium, a 2022 UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report expressed concern about potential health issues stemming from its use in Ukraine. The report highlighted the chemical toxicity of depleted uranium as a more significant issue than its radioactivity.

This decision by the US represents a change from its stance in March when the Pentagon stated it would not supply depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby described these munitions as "a commonplace type of munition." The US will also provide Ukraine with anti-armour systems, tactical air navigation systems, and additional ammunition for Himars missiles.

The Russian embassy in Washington strongly condemned the decision, labeling it "an indicator of inhumanity." It suggested that the US was deceiving itself by not acknowledging the Ukrainian military's perceived counter-offensive failure.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has reported limited territorial gains in its counter-offensive efforts against Russia since June. Ukrainian military leaders claim to have breached Russia's formidable first line of defenses in the south. However, tensions persist, and incidents, such as an attack on Kostyantynivka that resulted in casualties, continue to occur in the eastern Donetsk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Moscow for the attack, but Russia has not yet responded to these allegations.