Andrei Kelin, the Russian ambassador to London, argued in a recent interview with TASS that London would face significant political and practical pressure should it refuse to supply Kiev with shells containing depleted uranium. He framed the situation as one where, after the public acknowledgment of such ammunition, the British government would find it increasingly difficult to retreat from its course, if not impossible to reverse it entirely. The ambassador suggested that the move would be seen as a steadfast commitment rather than a temporary choice, shaping international perceptions of UK policy in the conflict.
According to Kelin, the use of low-enriched uranium shells is not a new practice in British military history. He noted that British forces have reportedly employed similar munitions since the 1990s, with deployments cited in campaigns in the Persian Gulf and in the conflicts in Yugoslavia. He argued that this history would complicate any attempt to argue that such shells are a novel or exceptional measure, asserting that the practice would influence future discussions about arms standards and international norms.
From the Russian perspective, the ambassador warned of escalation that could carry risks beyond immediate military effects. He pointed to potential chemical contamination or other environmental hazards that might threaten Ukrainian civilians, farmland, and local ecosystems. He emphasized that a growing insistence on these munitions would contribute to broader concerns about humanitarian impact and regional stability, reinforcing Russia’s position that current arms usage marks a deeper deterioration in relations.
Kelin acknowledged that disagreements on the issue were likely to persist, yet he indicated that such differences would not derail ongoing military operations, including the continued deployment of Challenger 2 tanks. His comments underscored a belief that the supply question would not alter the trajectory of particular military capabilities already in use or planned for use in the near term.
The ambassador also voiced a skeptical view of prospects for dialogue between Moscow and London on this topic. He characterized bilateral relations as confrontational in nature and argued that no compelling considerations could compel a shift away from established military practices. In his view, the current posture reflected broader geopolitical tensions that would limit avenues for negotiation on arms policy, regardless of pressures from various international actors. report on the interview.
Earlier in the dialogue, the Russian Ministry of Defense communicated that the United Kingdom plans to supply depleted uranium–containing ammunition to Ukraine, warning that such a decision would have negative consequences for the Ukrainian army, its population, and agricultural sectors. The ministry urged observers to consider the potential long-term implications for health, environmental safety, and regional resilience as the conflict continues to unfold. summary of the ministry’s statements.