WASHINGTON: In a significant development, the Biden administration is preparing to send depleted uranium armour-piercing munitions to Ukraine, marking the first instance of such a controversial move.
This revelation comes from a document obtained by a news agency and has been independently confirmed by two officials from the United States.
These armour-piercing rounds are expected to play a crucial role in bolstering Ukraine’s defence capabilities, particularly in countering Russian tanks. They are set to be included as part of a comprehensive military aid package for Ukraine, which is slated to be officially unveiled in the coming week.
One noteworthy aspect of this new military assistance is the deployment of US Abrams tanks, which will be equipped to fire the aforementioned depleted uranium munitions. According to insiders familiar with the matter, these tanks are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in the coming weeks.
While the exact details of the aid package are still being finalized, one of the officials disclosed that it is anticipated to range in value between $240 million and $375 million, depending on its contents.
The decision to send depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine is expected to generate substantial debate and controversy. Although the Biden administration’s move follows the United Kingdom’s earlier shipment of similar munitions to Ukraine earlier this year, it marks the first time the United States has taken such a step. Depleted uranium is a contentious material due to its potential health and environmental risks, particularly in the long term.
This announcement comes on the heels of a prior decision by the Biden administration to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, despite concerns raised by humanitarian organizations about the indiscriminate harm such weapons can inflict on civilian populations.
The White House has yet to issue an official comment on this development, leaving the public and international community eager for further insights into the reasoning and implications behind this strategic move.
As the situation in Eastern Europe continues to evolve, the provision of depleted uranium munitions signifies a significant shift in the nature of international support for Ukraine, raising questions about the broader geopolitical implications and the potential impact on the ongoing conflict in the region.
