The United States is set to follow the United Kingdom in approving the shipment of depleted-uranium shells to Ukraine, despite concerns over the potential negative impacts on public health and the environment, according to Reuters. These munitions, which are intended for use in US Abrams tanks, are expected to arrive in Ukraine in the coming weeks as part of a multi-million dollar arms donation. The decision to supply depleted-uranium shells to Ukraine follows a controversial move by the UK, which announced similar shipments in March.
The UK’s decision to supply depleted-uranium shells to Ukraine provoked anger from Russia, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating that the delivery would escalate the situation to a new and serious stage. Russia’s embassy in London accused the US and its allies of turning Ukraine into not only an anti-Russian military shooting range, but also a radioactive landfill. Moscow had previously warned the UK that it would be held accountable for the harm caused to civilians and soldiers by the toxic shells.
Officials from both the UK and the US have disputed claims about the health hazards associated with depleted-uranium shells. These shells utilize a dense uranium core to improve their armor-piercing capabilities. Despite studies linking these weapons to a spike in cancer and birth defects in Iraq, officials deny any connection between the use of depleted-uranium shells and these health issues.
In response to the UK’s decision, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow would be stationing tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus. He noted that Russia’s actions were comparable to the US, which has stationed nuclear weapons in five European countries. Russia has expressed willingness to remove these weapons if the US does the same and dismantles the associated infrastructure.
Although Ukraine’s Western backers claim that they are not directly participating in the conflict and have avoided providing certain weapons that could provoke a direct clash with Russia, they have sent over $100 billion in arms to Kiev. Russia has repeatedly warned that each weapons package brings the US and NATO closer to active participation in the conflict. Furthermore, the Kremlin has accused Western nations of sponsoring terrorism by enabling Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian civilians.
The approval of depleted-uranium shell shipments to Ukraine by the US further heightens concerns over the escalating conflict and the potential consequences for public health and the environment. The decision mirrors the UK’s controversial move, which has already drawn strong criticism from Russia. With tensions already high, the supply of these munitions only serves to exacerbate the situation and increase the likelihood of further conflict.
Source link
