Russia Blasts US for Sending Depleted Uranium Rounds to Ukraine

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Facts

  • As part of a $1B aid package that includes $175M for weaponry, the US announced that it's sending to Ukraine depleted uranium rounds on Wednesday.1
  • Following suit with the British who first announced they were sending such munitions in March, the US said that the 120 mm rounds it would be sending were made to arm the US-made M1A1 Abrams tank — 31 of which it plans to send Ukraine this coming fall.2
  • These armor-piercing rounds were first produced by the US during the Cold War. They were used by the US against Iraq in the First Gulf War in 1991, and again in the 2003 invasion; they were also used in Serbia and Kosovo.2
  • The shells are not banned under international law; however, their use is hotly debated as they have been linked to cancers and birth defects by disarmament groups.1
  • According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), depleted uranium shells are not considered nuclear weapons, but are classified as containing toxic chemicals. The agency recommends handling the weapons with protective equipment such as gloves, adding that: 'High concentrations in the kidney can cause damage and, in extreme cases, renal failure.'2
  • In responding to the move, the Russian embassy in Washington described it as 'inhumane.' It said: 'Obviously, Washington, obsessed with the idea of inflicting a 'strategic defeat' on Russia, is ready to fight not only to the last Ukrainian but to put a cross on the future generations.'3

Sources: 1Al Jazeera, 2Associated Press and 3Tass.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Associated press. Russia is obfuscating the truth when it says such weapons are made from nuclear components. Depleted uranium is incapable of causing a nuclear reaction and the IAEA classifies it as a toxic chemical. While there are some health risks attached, these are largely overblown by Russia which also uses the munitions, alongside many other militaries across the world.
  • Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by Tass. This is an inhumane move by the US that shows just how far Washington is willing to go in its attempt to weaken Russia. America is not satisfied with sacrificing this generation of Ukrainians but is prepared to irreparably damage the future ones as well. The long-term health risks of these weapons are well documented in places like Iraq, Serbia, and Kosovo.

Predictions