VLADIMIR Putin has issued a chilling warning to the UK in response to Britain’s plans to send ammunition to Ukraine.
The Russian leader’s warning was echoed by the country’s defence minister Sergei Shoigu who warned of a “nuclear collision” if the UK sends uranium ammunition to Ukraine.
Speaking after a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Putin said that Moscow would be “forced to react” if Britain gives Ukraine military supplies, including armour-piercing ammunition which contains depleted uranium.
“The United Kingdom… announced not only the supply of tanks to Ukraine, but also shells with depleted uranium. If this happens, Russia will be forced to react,” he said.
The Russian president’s comments come after a meeting with Chinese leader Xi where they signed an agreement bringing their ties into a “new era” of cooperation.
Putin’s warning was followed by Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu who said the British decision left fewer and fewer steps before a potential “nuclear collision” between Russia and the West.
He told reporters: “Another step has been taken, and there are fewer and fewer left,” Russian news agencies reported.
When asked whether this meant there was a possibility of a nuclear collision, he responded: “It was not by chance that I told you about steps.
“There are fewer and fewer.”
When asked about uranium ammunition he said: “Naturally, Russia has something to answer this with.”
Depleted uranium is used in weapons as it helps them easily penetrate tanks and armour.
But it is also highly toxic and can affect people’s lungs and vital organs.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the plan the “Yugoslavia scenario”, saying the ammunition caused cancer and infected the environment.
Russia‘s warning comes after a statement by a UK defence minister, Annabel Goldie when asked whether “any of the ammunition currently being supplied to Ukraine contains depleted uranium”.
She said on Monday: “Alongside our granting of a squadron of Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, we will be providing ammunition including armour piercing rounds which contain depleted uranium.
“Such rounds are highly effective in defeating modern tanks and armoured vehicles.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had previously said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that a group of four Challenger 2 tanks would be sent to Ukraine.