DISINFO: EU accepts depleted uranium shells to Ukraine but threatens new sanctions for the deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus
SUMMARY
The EU is threatening Russia with new sanctions if Moscow deploys nuclear weapon to Belarus. Earlier, the EU ignored the question about the provision of depleted uranium shells to Ukraine. Now Russia will ignore protests from the EU and will deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus in response.
RESPONSE
The article creates a false equivalence between depleted uranium tank rounds and nuclear weapons, in an attempt to manipulate in the context of nuclear fearmongering. The article attempts to portray the EU as holding double standards, while also continuing a systematic effort to undermine EU sanctions.
On March 21, 2023, the Ministry of Defence of the UK already answered Russian claims about the deployment of depleted uranium shells to Ukraine and the interpretation of such kind of ammunition as a “nuclear weapon”. “It is a standard component and has nothing to do with nuclear weapons or capabilities. Russia knows this, but is deliberately trying to disinform”, says a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence of the UK.
Depleted uranium has a higher density than ordinary steel; about 2,5 times and about 1,5 times more dense than lead. This allows a tank shell to gain more momentum and penetrate armour more effectively. See also more facts about depleted uranium shells here.
Reacting to the deployment of a nuclear weapon in Belarus announced by Russia, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, HRVP Josep Borrell wrote on Twitter: “Belarus hosting Russian nuclear weapons would mean an irresponsible escalation & threat to European security. Belarus can still stop it, it is their choice. The EU stands ready to respond with further sanctions”.
See other examples of disinformation about nuclear issues: UK delivery of depleted uranium tank shells will lead to a nuclear catastrophe; Radioactive substances brought to Ukraine could be used to make a “dirty bomb”; Containers with radioactive substances were delivered from Europe to Ukraine for a provocation to accuse Russia.