While depleted uranium is radioactive, it is considerably less so than naturally occurring uranium, although particles can linger for a considerable time
The United States has openly declared its intention to supply Ukraine with depleted uranium munitions as a means to counter the ongoing Russian military offensive. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow.
This planned transfer is a component of a $1 billion US aid package designated for Kyiv, but it has raised concerns about the potential impact of depleted uranium on Ukrainian civilians.
The Biden administration has steadfastly defended its decision, with a White House spokesperson informing reporters that the ammunition does not pose any radioactive threat. According to John Kyiv, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, ‘These rounds are simply denser than standard tank ammunition. However, there is no risk of cancer or radioactivity associated with depleted uranium rounds.’
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However, Russia has strongly criticized the United States, with the Russian embassy in Washington condemning the Biden administration’s action as ‘a sign of cruelty’ that will outcome in ‘unpredictable consequences.
What the US is Sending to Ukraine?
On Wednesday, the United States disclosed its intention to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing, depleted-uranium munitions as it grapples with Russia’s ongoing invasion. These 120mm rounds are earmarked to equip the 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks that the US is scheduled to send to Kyiv in the latter part of the year.
These rounds were originally developed by the United States during the Cold War to effectively neutralize Soviet tanks, including the very same T-72 tanks that Ukraine is currently confronting in its counteroffensive.
What is depleted-uranium?
Depleted-uranium is a byproduct generated during the enrichment process of uranium, which finds applications in nuclear fuel and weaponry. While depleted-uranium rounds do possess some radioactive attributes, they lack the capacity to initiate a nuclear reaction akin to a nuclear weapon. As elucidated by Edward Geist, a nuclear expert and policy researcher at RAND, these rounds are exceptionally dense, even surpassing lead in density, rendering them highly effective as projectiles. Upon penetrating a target, depleted -ranium heats up and can potentially ignite, resulting in substantial damage.
According to the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity located in Tennessee, USA, ‘when a depleted-uranium penetrator strikes a target, its surface temperature undergoes a significant and rapid increase.’ Countries with Depleted Uranium Munitions
The United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, France, and Pakistan are among the countries that produce depleted-uranium weapons. It’s essential to note that these munitions are not classified as nuclear weapons, according to the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons. Additionally, 14 other states are known to store them.
The United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, France, and Pakistan are among the countries that produce depleted uranium weapons. It’s essential to note that these munitions are not classified as nuclear weapons, according to the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons. Additionally, 14 other states are known to store them.
What are the risks?
The health implications of depleted-uranium have sparked debates among scientists. Some studies have suggested a connection between depleted-uranium munitions and various health issues, including cancer, while others have dismissed such concerns. Over the past decade, worries have grown, with claims suggesting that depleted uranium might be linked to increased birth defects near US military installations and battle zones in Iraq.
The US military has consistently asserted that its depleted-uranium ammunition is only “slightly” radioactive and poses significant long-term health risks only when inhaled or ingested in substantial amounts.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) shares this viewpoint, noting that the primary health hazard associated with depleted-uranium is its chemical toxicity, not its radioactivity. Elevated concentrations of uranium in the kidneys can lead to damage and, in severe cases, renal failure.
US’s Viewpoint
The US has defended its decision to supply Ukraine with depleted uranium munitions, asserting that these rounds pose no radioactive threat. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, emphasized that these munitions are denser than standard tank rounds and are intended to enhance Ukraine’s effectiveness in its counteroffensive. The US government maintains that Russia’s concerns regarding these munitions are unfounded.
The US has justified its provision of depleted uranium bombs to Ukraine by asserting that they do not present any radiological risk. These munitions have a greater density than typical tank rounds. According to John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, they are intended to bolster Ukraine’s effectiveness in its counteroffensive. The US authorities argue that Russia’s concerns regarding these bombs lack merit.
What has Russia said?
Russia has hotly criticized the transfer of depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Russian embassy in Washington condemned the decision by the US Administration, characterizing it as a stark display of cruelty. The statement went on to suggest that Washington, driven by the desire to inflict a “strategic defeat” upon Russia, is not only willing to engage in conflict at the expense of Ukrainians but is also jeopardizing future generations.
Journalist Yulia Shapovalova, speaking to Al Jazeera from Moscow, highlighted that Russia vehemently disagrees with the US assertion that these munitions do not pose a radioactive threat. She reported that Russia perceives this move as a fresh escalation in the ongoing tensions.
Furthermore, Shapovalova noted that the Kremlin has affirmed that these developments will not alter the course of their special military operation, emphasizing that it will proceed regardless.
She added that Moscow has formally requested a meeting at the UN Security Council regarding the supply of Western weaponry to Ukraine, scheduled for September 12. It is anticipated that these recent developments involving depleted-uranium munitions will also be a topic of discussion during this meeting.
In conclusion
The United States’ decision to supply Ukraine with depleted-uranium munitions as part of a $1 billion aid package has sparked controversy and drawn sharp criticism from Russia. The US argues that these munitions will enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against the ongoing Russian military offensive and that Russia’s concerns about their use are unfounded. On the other hand, Russia strongly condemns this move, characterizing it as cruel and driven by a desire to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. Moscow disputes the US assertion that the munitions are not radioactive and views it as an escalation in ongoing tensions.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching developments related to the supply of depleted-uranium munitions to Ukraine, with a UN Security Council meeting scheduled to address these concerns. The potential implications for the conflict in Ukraine and its broader geopolitical repercussions remain a subject of significant concern and debate
