In a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the United States has announced its decision to supply depleted uranium tank shells to Ukraine as part of a comprehensive military and humanitarian aid package worth over $1 billion. The move has drawn condemnation from Russia, which views the use of such controversial armor-piercing munitions as highly provocative.
The announcement coincided with Ukraine’s accusation that Russia was responsible for a missile attack on a market street, resulting in the tragic loss of 17 lives. Furthermore, unconfirmed reports of suspected Ukrainian drone attacks on the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and near Moscow have added to the escalating tensions between the two nations.
The depleted uranium tank rounds, valued at $175 million, are intended for the M1 Abrams tanks that are scheduled to be delivered to Ukraine later this year. Depleted uranium is a naturally occurring substance that has been stripped of most of its radioactive properties. Its high density makes it an ideal material for reinforcing tank armor and enhancing the penetrating power of bullets, mortar rounds, and tank shells against conventional tank armor.
Depleted uranium shells possess the unique characteristic of sharpening upon impact, thereby increasing their ability to penetrate armor. Additionally, they ignite after contact, further enhancing their effectiveness. While the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation has found no significant evidence of poisoning caused by exposure to depleted uranium, the International Atomic Energy Agency has cautioned about potential radiation risks for individuals handling fragments of depleted uranium rounds.
Interestingly, in March, the Pentagon had stated that it would not be sending any munitions containing depleted uranium to Ukraine. This announcement followed the United Kingdom’s commitment to provide Kyiv with armor-piercing rounds. However, the recent decision by the United States to supply depleted uranium shells, along with anti-armour systems, tactical air navigation systems, and additional ammunition for Himars missiles, underscores its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The Russian embassy in Washington has strongly criticized the US decision, labeling it as “an indicator of inhumanity” and accusing the US of refusing to acknowledge the failure of Ukraine’s counter-offensive. Despite Ukraine’s limited territorial gains since June, Ukrainian military officials claim to have breached Russia’s formidable first line of defenses in the south.
The conflict took a tragic turn on Wednesday when 17 people, including a child, lost their lives in an attack on the city of Kostyantynivka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has held Moscow responsible for the attack, although Russia has yet to respond to the allegations.
As tensions continue to rise between Russia and Ukraine, the international community remains concerned about the potential escalation of the conflict and its humanitarian consequences. Efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis are ongoing, but the situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable.