In a move to assist Ukraine in countering Russian tanks, the United States has included depleted anti-tank munitions in a $1 billion aid package for President Zelensky’s troops.
The upcoming delivery of 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Kyiv will be equipped with armor-piercing rounds, originally developed by the U.S. during the Cold War.
The decision to send these rounds has drawn criticism from the Kremlin, with concerns raised about their potential radiation impact on civilians.
What is depleted Uranium?
Depleted uranium is a byproduct of enriched uranium production, which is commonly used in nuclear weapons and fuel.
While less powerful and lacking the ability to cause a nuclear reaction, depleted uranium’s density makes it effective as a projectile, capable of penetrating tank armor. It can also be used to reinforce tank armor.
According to a RAND Corporation report, the primary hazard associated with depleted uranium is not radiation but rather its ability to pierce armor.
“It’s so dense and has so much momentum that it keeps going through the armor, heating it up to the point of catching fire,” explained Edward Geist, an expert on nuclear issues at RAND.
Effects of depleted Uranium?
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) states that depleted uranium is less radioactive than natural uranium but still advises caution when dealing with it due to its “chemical and radioactive toxicity.”
During the Kosovo conflict, concerns were raised about the potential contamination of soil if depleted uranium shells landed on the ground.
However, the United Nations’ Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation concluded that there is no clinically significant pathology related to radiation exposure from depleted uranium.
A study published in the Foreign Policy Journal in 2019 suggested an association between depleted uranium used by the U.S. during the Iraq War and a higher prevalence of birth defects in Iraqi children, presenting a slightly different viewpoint.
Are these weapons legal?
Depleted uranium rounds are considered legal as they are not classified as nuclear weapons, and there is no specific treaty prohibiting their use on the battlefield.
However, the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons has voiced concerns about potential health risks if civilians are exposed to depleted uranium dust.
Russia’s response:
Russia has strongly criticized this transfer of weapons.
The Russian Embassy in Washington condemned the U.S. decision, calling it “a clear sign of inhumanity.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described it as “very bad news.”
Peskov also raised concerns about the potential health impact of depleted uranium based on its previous use in former Yugoslavia, claiming a rise in cancers and other illnesses.
Washington’s view
John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, emphasized that depleted uranium rounds would enhance Ukraine’s effectiveness on the battlefield.
An anonymous U.S. official told Politico that if Russia had concerns about Ukraine possessing lethal tank rounds, they could withdraw their tanks from Ukraine.
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