U.S. supplies depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine

Depleted uranium is radioactive element and a byproduct of the production of fuel used in nuclear power plants

 WASHINGTON – The U.S. has decided to supply depleted uranium shells to Ukraine as part of a new military assistance package.

The shells, which can be fired from U.S. Abrams tanks, are expected to arrive in Ukraine in the coming weeks.

Depleted uranium is a byproduct of the production of fuel used in nuclear power plants.

It is a radioactive material whose use is controversial because of concerns about its impact on health and the environment.

The International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons has pointed out that ingesting or inhaling depleted uranium dust poses dangerous health risks, including cancer and birth defects.

The U.S. has defended its decision, saying the shells are necessary to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.

The new military aid package to Ukraine is expected to include other weapons such as anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles.

The package has an estimated value of $240 million to $375 million.

The depleted uranium projectiles will be provided under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows the president to transfer weapons from U.S. stockpiles without congressional approval in an emergency.

Russia has threatened to retaliate with depleted uranium projectiles.

The use of depleted uranium munitions has been banned in a number of countries.

However, the U.S., Britain, France and Israel are among the countries that have not signed the ban.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Washington believes Ukraine’s counteroffensive is gaining momentum.