Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed criticism over the UK’s donation of 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, particularly objecting to the potential deployment of depleted uranium (DU) tank rounds. Putin characterized this move as a dangerous escalation towards nuclear war.
The technical details of the Challenger 2 tank’s armament include a 120mm rifled gun with ammunition unique to British-designed tanks. Among the rounds is the CHARM 3 (L27A1 APFSDS DU), a depleted uranium penetrator designed for armored targets.
Depleted uranium is chosen for its density and cost-effectiveness compared to alternatives like tungsten carbide. Despite being a by-product of uranium enrichment for nuclear fuel, DU is mildly radioactive in its inert state. It has been used on battlefields since at least the Gulf War of 1991, with scientific investigations not conclusively proving significant health risks.
Interestingly, Putin’s criticism appears hypocritical as Russia also employs DU in its weapon systems, such as the 3BM60 Svinets-2 munition fired by the Russian T-80BV’s 125mm tank cannon.
Concerns arise about the UK’s stockpile of Challenger 2 ammunition, given that the DU 120mm round has not been produced since 2001. With no facility to manufacture more and the upcoming Challenger 3 tank adopting a different gun and ammunition, questions arise about the sustainability of the UK’s tank fleet in case of further deployment.
Some suggest the idea of donating the entire UK tank fleet to Ukraine, replacing them with more modern and NATO-compatible options, like the German Leopard 2. This proposition aims to ensure Ukraine’s military capabilities while updating the UK’s tank arsenal.
Despite Putin’s allegations, the use of DU ammunition is not a novel or alarming development on the battlefield. The criticism is viewed as part of Putin’s ongoing propaganda and disinformation campaign, potentially masking his own country’s utilization of DU in military operations.
As tensions persist in the Russo-Ukraine war, Putin’s recent statements contribute to a narrative of nuclear bluffing and sabre-rattling. However, many experts believe there is no real chance of Russia employing nuclear weapons in the conflict. Putin’s increasingly unpredictable behavior raises concerns about his stability and the Russian people’s tolerance for such leadership.
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Guess what, he is a columnist for ever truthful Express, and is just another member of the Judeo-communist British Establishment.