“There are fewer steps to a nuclear collision”

Russia has threatened the UK after the British government announced its intention to deliver munitions containing depleted uranium (DU) to Ukraine.

On Tuesday March 22, British Defense Secretary Baroness Goldie said Challenger 2 main battle tanks sent from Britain to Ukraine included armour-piercing shells containing depleted uranium.

“Along with granting a squadron of Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, we will provide ammunition, including armour-piercing shells containing depleted uranium.

“These shells are very effective in defeating modern tanks and armored vehicles.”

DU shells were used by US and UK troops in Iraq in 1991 and 2003, and in the Balkans during the 1990s.

It poses a health risk and can cause cancer, especially when around bomb impact sites, where dust can enter people’s lungs and vital organs.

According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the UK’s decision would trigger a Russian response,

Shoigu told reporters, “Another step has been taken and there is less and less left.

“Naturally, Russia has something to answer that.”

Asked by a reporter if that meant the world was closer to a nuclear collision, Shoigu replied, “It’s no coincidence that I told you about the stages. There are fewer and fewer.

The UK, a top aid donor to Ukraine, responded to Russia’s warning

A Ministry of Defense spokesman said: ‘The British Army has been using depleted uranium in their armour-piercing shells for decades. It is a standard component that has nothing to do with nuclear weapons or capabilities.

“Russia knows this, but is deliberately trying to misinform.”