UN expresses concern over use of depleted uranium projectiles in Ukraine

The UN is concerned about the use of depleted uranium projectiles anywhere in the world, including in Ukraine, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the organization’s secretary general, said at a briefing. At the same time, he forwarded the question of London’s responsibility for the transfer of such shells to Kyiv to the British authorities.

“You know that we are concerned about the use of depleted uranium anywhere in the world, this applies to this situation,” he said. “I think you should ask this question to the appropriate authorities in Britain,” he replied to a journalist’s question about whether the UK should be responsible for monitoring the destruction of depleted uranium in Ukraine (quotes from RIA Novosti).

In March, Britain announced plans to send depleted uranium shells to Ukraine. The country’s authorities called it a standard component in armaments. Britain’s Undersecretary of Defense James Hippie said on April 25 that the UK had sent Ukraine “thousands of rounds” for Challenger 2 tanks, including some with depleted uranium. He noted that London does not consider itself obliged to monitor where these shells are used, as well as to eliminate the consequences of their use. The Russian Embassy in the UK responded by saying that the West had prepared for Ukraine the role of a radioactive “burial ground”.

Follow the events after the entry of Russian troops into Ukraine in the Kommersant online broadcast.