Grossi said there were no consequences from depleted uranium shells

The use of depleted uranium munitions does not lead to any significant consequences, said the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi at press conferences.

“From point of view <...> nuclear safety, there are no radiologically significant and even insignificant consequences. They may be in some very specific cases,” he said.

In particular, Grossi admitted that a person could be harmed if he inhaled air directly next to the explosion site of such a projectile, but this would, in his assessment, be a problem of a “normal” rather than radiological nature.

Grossi’s words were commented on by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stating that the head of the IAEA “does not finish speaking” when commenting on this problem.

“The fact is that depleted uranium, as a heavy metal, is extremely dangerous for humans and the environment in terms of chemical toxicity. Especially when it is used as part of ammunition, since their use will generate extremely toxic aerosols,” wrote she is on her Telegram channel.

In particular, Grossi should have pointed out, Zakharova believes, that the uranium rod, when penetrating the armor, heats up and can ignite.

“Perhaps this is beyond the competence of Mr. Grossi as the head of the IAEA. And this question should be addressed to chemists who will talk about the harmful effects of the accumulation of heavy metals on the environment and human health,” she concluded.

In March, London announced the supply of depleted uranium shells to Kyiv for Challenger 2 tanks. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense explained this decision as being highly effective in defeating modern tanks and armored vehicles. September 6 Pentagon announced on the transfer to Ukraine of shells with depleted uranium for Abrams tanks. They will become part of the 46th aid package to Ukraine worth $175 million, which will also include ammunition for HIMARS, equipment to support Ukrainian air defense systems, etc. On the same day, the UN statedwhich opposes the use of depleted uranium projectiles anywhere in the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously warnedthat Moscow will be forced to respond to the supply of depleted uranium shells to Ukraine. According to him, this decision demonstrates the West’s readiness to fight with Russia to the last Ukrainian, not in words, but in deeds.