The British Ministry of Defense says Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is "deliberately trying to misinform" by publicly criticizing Britain's decision to send depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine.
Source. Sky News
Putin said that Moscow would react if the UK made the move, which he said meant that the West had moved to supplying Kyiv with weapons containing nuclear components.
The British Ministry of Defense confirmed that it will send depleted uranium shells to Ukraine, adding that the British army has been using this material in its shells for decades.
"This is a standard component and has nothing to do with nuclear weapons or capabilities," the British Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
"Russia knows about this, but is deliberately trying to misinform," the ministry emphasized.
The Ministry of Defense said that such shells are "highly effective" in defeating modern tanks and armored vehicles.
The ministry added that scientific studies show that any impact on human health and the environment from the use of depleted uranium ammunition is "likely to be low."
Meanwhile, Russia warns of a possible "nuclear clash" between Moscow and the West if the UK sends depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine.
According to Interfax, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that there are fewer steps left to a potential incident.
This is Shoigu's response to Britain's statement that it will provide Ukraine with ammunition containing depleted uranium.
According to Shoigu, such a move will prompt Russia to respond.
If Britain provides the munitions, "Russia must respond appropriately, given that the West is collectively beginning to use weapons with a nuclear component," Russian dictator Putin said earlier.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the UK plan a "Yugoslavia scenario," saying that the munitions cause cancer and damage the environment.
Background. It was reported that the UK will provide Ukraine with depleted uranium tank shells for Challenger 2, which Russia said it would equate to a "dirty bomb."