Depleted uranium rounds, which Britain has announced plans to transfer to Ukraine, are known for their ability to penetrate heavy armor. At the same time, they pose serious environmental risks. In an interview with Pravda.Ru, Igor Nikulin, a former adviser to the United Nations secretary-general and a former member of the UN Disarmament Commission, along with a noted political figure, warned about the long lasting harms of this ammunition. He noted that the United States used depleted uranium in Yugoslavia, resulting in widespread radioactive dust settling on soil and water, and a rise in cancer cases among local populations.
According to Nikulin, Serbia saw more than 30,000 cancer cases in the last two decades. He also cited that among the three thousand wartime deaths, another 15,000 people died in peacetime as a consequence of the conflict and its aftermath. He stressed that the half life of depleted uranium extends over many billions of years, meaning affected regions could remain uninhabitable for generations. The expert underscored the possibility that people in areas hit by such weapons might not be able to return to normal life for a long time.
On March 21, a British deputy defense minister announced that depleted uranium munitions would be supplied to Ukraine in addition to a new fleet of Challenger 2 tanks. This decision has drawn strong reactions from several quarters, with voices emphasizing potential humanitarian and environmental implications, especially in conflict zones exposed to such material. In response, a spokesperson from the Russian Foreign Ministry described the plan as provocative and reckless, signaling heightened political tension around the issue.