The US Department of Defense wants to supply Ukraine with armor-piercing uranium ammunition for the first time. The ammunition is intended for the promised Abrams main battle tanks. Depleted uranium is a waste product that is produced during the enrichment of uranium for use in nuclear power plants or in the production of nuclear weapons. The metal is toxic – both for the soldiers and for people living in the war zone. The use of uranium ammunition or DU ammunition (depleted uranium) is not prohibited under international law.
“If it requires contractors or back support in person, even if it's government, that's less desirable because you have their lives to worry about,” said Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Bill LaPlante.