Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko suggested that if the United Kingdom supplies uranium-depleted shells to Ukraine, Russia might respond by delivering ammunition containing real uranium to Belarus. This statement was reported by RIA Novosti.
“And Russia will provide us with ammunition containing real uranium. if they are crazy, the Western states, they will accelerate this process.”
According to Lukashenko, if Ukrainian forces used depleted uranium shells against Russian troops, the response could be severe and serve as a grim warning to the world.
The Belarusian leader also claimed that Western nations are unlikely to take any drastic action by sending depleted uranium shells to Kyiv. He noted that Russia, China and several other countries have urged a diplomatic end to the conflict.
On March 21, British Deputy Secretary of Defense Annabelle Goldie announced London’s plan to supply depleted uranium shells to Ukraine.
“We will equip Ukraine with a fleet of Challenger 2 tanks, along with ammunition, including armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium,” the report states.
Depleted uranium comprises more than 99% uranium-238 and is less radioactive than natural uranium ore, though it is extremely dense. This high density makes it useful for armor-piercing sub-caliber ammunition, among other uses.
Ammunition with a uranium core has a strong armor-piercing capability, capable of penetrating armor and causing substantial damage.
There is no universal consensus about the consequences of employing depleted uranium munitions. As a relatively new weapon type, there is no UN ban or explicit prohibition documented. The 1980 Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material classifies depleted uranium as Category II nuclear material, which requires special storage and transport rules.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, expressed concern about the use of depleted uranium munitions anywhere, regardless of the side involved. He commented on the UK decision to move such ammunition to Ukraine, noting that the UN has consistently warned about the long-term effects of depleted uranium use.
The UK Ministry of Defense described depleted uranium as a standard component of certain munitions and rejected claims that it signals nuclear capabilities. Officials suggested that Russia is attempting to spread misinformation about the shells and stated that Russia reportedly uses this type of ammunition as well.
The Russian Embassy in the United Kingdom cautioned against sending depleted uranium shells to Ukraine, warning that doing so would cross a dangerous line.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu remarked that Moscow would assess the British government’s next moves and noted that Russia has grounds to respond. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that the possible delivery of depleted uranium shells by the United Kingdom could escalate the conflict, describing it as a serious step upward in tension. He cited past uses in Yugoslavia, Iraq and the broader consequences seen there, including higher cancer rates and soil contamination in affected areas.
Historically, NATO forces used depleted uranium during the bombing of Yugoslavia, the Desert Storm operation, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Reports from The Guardian indicate hundreds of thousands of rounds were fired during Desert Storm, while tens of thousands were used in Yugoslavia, often leaving widespread debris in former battlefield zones.
Debates continue about residual environmental and health impacts, with opinions differing on the long-term effects of these munitions on soil, air, water, and human health. While enriched uranium carries greater toxicity, both unenriched and depleted uranium are not inherently more dangerous than certain heavy metals; the key concern lies in dust and particle dispersion from spent rounds, which could, in theory, affect ecosystems or pose exposure risks over time.
The World Health Organization has indicated that inhaling depleted uranium particles could raise the risk of leukemia slightly, depending on exposure levels. The United Nations Environment Programme has reported that American use of uranium shells in the Balkans did not have a measurable impact on the environment, populations, or combatants. Some Italian environmental researchers who tested soil in Bosnia and Kosovo found minor rises in uranium concentrations on battlefields, but levels generally stayed within acceptable limits, and broad claims of soil contamination were not supported by the data.