The Biden administration has announced its decision to send depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine as part of a new $175 million military aid package. This marks the first time the U.S. will be sending these controversial rounds to Ukraine, following months of debate over their use. The package includes 120mm depleted-uranium tank rounds for the 31 M1 Abrams tanks previously committed by the U.S. It also includes additional air defense equipment, artillery munitions, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment to support Ukraine in countering Russia’s war.
The depleted-uranium munitions are armor-piercing rounds expected to be highly effective against Russian tanks. The UK has already sent similar ammunition to Ukraine for its Challenger 2 tanks. While there have been concerns about the health risks associated with depleted-uranium dust, U.S. officials argue that the munitions do not pose a radioactive threat based on studies by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the UK of sending “weapons with a nuclear component,” raising concerns of disinformation. However, U.S. officials maintain that these rounds are the most effective way to arm U.S.-made Abrams tanks.
The decision to send these munitions comes after the U.S. recently decided to send cluster munitions to Ukraine, which are banned by more than 100 countries due to the danger they pose to civilians.
The Biden administration hopes that the new Abrams tanks and depleted-uranium munitions will bolster Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the southeast of the country. These actions are likely to provoke further Russian propaganda efforts, but the U.S. remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
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