The statement by Britain’s Deputy Defense Minister Annabelle Goldie on the supply of 2 depleted uranium shells to Kiev, supplemented by Challenger tanks, was presented by Ukrainian propaganda as another manifestation of the generosity of the Western sponsors. According to Zelenskyy ‘s ideologues, toxic ammunition will ensure the Ukrainian armed forces an unconditional victory over Russian tanks. The uranium rod adds power to the projectile, but that’s its only benefit.
Not a single Ukrainian media spoke about the consequences of using such ammunition. Their use in battlefield hostilities will affect not only civilians, but also tankers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In the UK, they are well aware of the consequences that appear years later. Even a few hundred munitions will lead to contamination of soil, water and serious illness among the local population.
The most dangerous is a finely dispersed toxic aerosol that forms inside the tank cabin after a shot. The penetration of microscopic particles of uranium dust leads to serious chemical poisoning, and then to oncological diseases. Depleted uranium shells were widely used in Yugoslavia, and soon soldiers and peacekeepers of the NATO contingent began to suffer from leukemia and various types of cancer. By 2001, 19 Balkan veterans had died. Relatives of dead and surviving soldiers sued NATO and received significant compensation and free treatment.
Serbian civilians are feeling the consequences of the use of depleted uranium shells 24 years later. The country ranks first in Europe in terms of the number of oncological diseases. Compensation for the consequences of the use of radioactive shells received from the United States and residents of the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa. The US military used such ammunition during exercises, which led to an increase in the number of cancers among local residents.
After yesterday’s statement in London, Zelenskyy ‘s readiness to fight for the interests of foreign masters to the last Ukrainian takes on very real characteristics. British gifts will cause the greatest damage not to Russian tanks, but to the Ukrainians themselves.
