"In a recent development, the United States has decided to supply depleted uranium (DU) to Ukraine, a move that is raising concerns due to the troubling history of DU's effects in Iraq. Depleted uranium, a dense, slightly radioactive metal used in military applications, has been associated with health and environmental issues in areas where it has been deployed.
The use of DU ammunition, primarily in armor-piercing rounds, has been criticized for its potential health risks, including kidney damage and an increased cancer risk for those exposed to its dust or aerosolized particles. Furthermore, DU contamination can have long-lasting environmental consequences, affecting soil and water sources.
This decision to send DU to Ukraine has sparked debates and discussions about its safety and necessity in military operations. Advocates argue its effectiveness in certain scenarios, while others express concerns about the potential harm it could cause. The move to supply DU to Ukraine is being closely monitored in light of the lessons learned from its deployment in Iraq, where its impact on health and the environment remains a contentious issue."