The United States will transfer depleted uranium ammunition to Ukraine for the first time

American media, citing representatives of the State Department, report that the United States will include depleted uranium ammunition in the next aid package to Ukraine for the first time. This may be announced in the near future, the BBC reports.

These armor-piercing shells can be used in American Abrams tanks, which are to arrive in Ukraine this fall.

Depleted uranium ammunition is able to penetrate tank armor more effectively because its density is almost 70% denser than lead used in standard ammunition. The material is a byproduct of the production of fuel for nuclear power plants.

In March, the UK Ministry of Defense confirmed that it would send depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine. Russian dictator Putin opposed this and threatened to respond to such shipments "appropriately."

Putin said at the time that "the collective West is already beginning to use weapons with a nuclear component," to which the British Ministry responded that Russia was deliberately trying to misinform the public on this issue.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted that depleted uranium is significantly less radioactive than natural uranium.

The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed media reports that the next package of military aid to Ukraine includes 120 mm depleted uranium shells for Abrams tanks.

"This package includes additional air defense equipment, artillery shells, and anti-tank weapons, including depleted uranium shells for previously promised Abrams tanks," the US military department said.

In addition, Ukraine will receive ammunition for HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells, 81 mm mortars, and ammunition.

Background. As reported by Politico, Ukraine will receive the first ten Abrams tanks in September.