• Russia warned the UK not to supply Ukraine with tank shells with depleted uranium.
• UK tank ammo destined for Ukraine could possess this advanced ammunition.
• Moscow claims using depleted uranium in ammo is tantamount to nuclear escalation.

Moscow warned that if depleted uranium (DU) is a component of UK tank ammo sent to Ukraine, it will respond accordingly. These shells made DU are the armor piercing types used on modern weapon systems like main battle tanks (MBTs).

Use of Depleted Uranium Can Lead to Escalation

Russia warned London not to use these munitions that could ignite a nuclear contest if Kyiv is supplied with them, reported Sky News.

Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would act if there was a provocation and even suggested that Kyiv would have a dose of nukes. Minister of state for defense Baroness Annabel Goldie remarked concerning the planned delivery of Challenger MBTs supplied with armor piercers that have DU as a component, noted Sputnik News.

All the emphasis on uranium component munitions needs an explanation about the hullaballoo about them. Another is why tank shells have them at all.

Depleted Uranium in UK Tank Ammunitions

When natural uranium ore (U-235) is processed, there will be leftover material, which is what DU is. It still retains radioactivity from the original form, though. Providing fuel for nuclear power plants and even destructive nuclear bombs is the U-235.

Radioactive material is less lethal, with fewer alpha particles that do not go through the skin. Technically exposure to DU ammo is not a real hazard except if the material is breathed in or ingested, cited by Yahoo. 

The normal metal used for ammo has its limitation in penetrative power, but DU is denser and tougher. Fired as tank rounds which can be destroyed less protect vehicles.

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Du is used in anti-tank weapons and tank armor components, says the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It makes the contact point of the tank shell more penetrative and explodes on impact.

Does DU Ammunition Pose Radiation Risk?

The UN Institute for Disarmament Research verified the supposed DU ammo as non-nuclear, adding that DU is incompatible with legal definitions that apply to this kind of weapon. IAEA warns that material in lesser amounts is not fatal but can be if enough exposure is experienced due to chemical toxins eaten or inhaled. It can affect the kidneys due to chemical toxins. Despite the lessened radiation, there will be the exposure that could cause cancer, but it takes a long before it becomes obvious. Though DU is less lethal than unprocessed U-235, it's not an assurance.

One time that DU is dangerous is when impacting an armored target will produce an aerosol effect, which anyone can inhale. DU weapon debris left on the battlefield in the soil will affect the environment for a long time. Radioactive debris could taint the water table and food sources for many years but will eventually disappear. IAEA says that handling the DU ammo is very unsafe because of the contact needed to use them directly. But no effects from skin burns to radiation not possible, though.

Safety measures in the use of DU ammo are needed through the use of protective gear for personnel and tank crews. But Putin warned NATO not to do such a provocation or risk a response. Including depleted uranium as a component of UK tank ammo for Ukraine is a serious move that NATO members must think about the consequences of.

Related Article: US Uranium Tank Shells Are the Secret Weapons for Destroying Enemy Armor