Russia has reacted sharply to Britain's plan to supply Ukraine with armor-piercing depleted uranium tank shells.

British Minister of State for Defence Annabel Goldie told the House of Lords on Monday that Britain will provide the ammunition together with Challenger 2 main battle tanks.

She noted such rounds are highly effective in destroying modern tanks and armored vehicles.

Depleted uranium can penetrate tanks and armor more easily due to its density. But the United Nations warns particles of the radioactive substance can cause a health risk around impact sites.
The British defense ministry pointed out that the British Army has used depleted uranium in its armor-piercing munitions for decades.

It said independent research by scientists has assessed that any impact to personal health and the environment is likely to be low.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said the West has begun using weapons with a nuclear component.

The British defense ministry noted that depleted uranium is a standard component in conventional armor-piercing munitions and has nothing to do with nuclear weapons. It said Russia knows this, but is deliberately spreading disinformation.