Ammunition with depleted uranium for the Ukrainian Armed Forces

On September 6, the United States of America announced that it would provide depleted uranium ammunition to the Ukrainian military. This immediately caused indignation on the Russian side. The Center for Combating Disinformation (CDC) spoke in more detail about these weapons.

We are talking about 120-mm ammunition for Abrams tanks, which should arrive on the battlefield within a few weeks. This type of weaponry was included in a new aid package from the United States worth $175 million.

The CPD noted that the Russians predictably reacted negatively to such steps from Washington and began to disseminate information that because of these ammunition, the number of people suffering from cancer will significantly increase.

“For some reason, the Russian authorities are silent about the fact that the Russian military has been using such shells on the battlefield for a long time,” the message says.

Depleted uranium ammunition: are they really that harmful?

The Center for Countering Disinformation noted that depleted uranium is the residue of a metal that is created during the production of nuclear fuel. It is approximately 70% denser than lead, which is used in most conventional ammunition.

Depleted uranium ammunition is used for military purposes, including to destroy tank armor. Accordingly, this will help Ukraine more effectively destroy Russian equipment on the battlefield.

The UN continues to oppose this type of ammunition being used by Ukraine, because it is prohibited under international law, and the IAEA has made a lot of statements that residents of populated areas close to the front may be in danger due to radiation.

At the same time, the organization recognizes that depleted uranium can only cause harm if its particles enter directly into the body.

The CPD noted that the Russians also have this type of weapon, which has been repeatedly stated in the United States and personally by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Moreover, Russian media themselves reported that modernized tanks of the Russian Armed Forces of the T-80BV type can fire the same ammunition.

“By manipulating the topic of transferring depleted uranium shells to Ukraine, the Russian Federation and its propaganda are trying to take advantage of the population’s lack of education on this issue and spreading panic among people, which could lead to destabilization of the situation in the country,” the Center for Public Promotion concluded.

Recall, on September 7, it was reported what advantages the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive on the battlefield after the supply of uranium shells for Abrams and Challenger 2.