Putin vows to respond after Britain sent uranium arms to Ukraine - as Russia warns of fewer steps to nuclear conflict

21 March 2023, 17:54 | Updated: 22 March 2023, 09:34

Putin, Challenger II tank and Sergei Shiogu
Putin (left) vowed to respond over Britain sending uranium tank ammo to Ukraine. Picture: Getty

By Chay Quinn

Putin has vowed to respond to Britain sending uranium tank arms to Ukraine - as his defence minister says there are fewer and fewer steps to go before nuclear collision between Russia and the west.

The despot said Moscow will be 'forced to react' if the UK goes ahead with its delivery of 14 battle tanks.

The depleted uranium (DU) ammunition is meant for use by Ukrainian forces who are utilising British-made Challenger 2 tank which the Government has sent to Eastern Europe.

It is the latest direct threat that Putin has levelled against Britian - with his cronies having previously treated to use a nuclear missile on London because of the Government's full-throated condemnation of the war in Ukraine.

Sergei Shiogu, Russian defence minister, also responded to the latest news of Britain sending new weapons to Ukraine.

The minister for despot Putin said: "Another step has been taken, and there are fewer and fewer left".

Vladimir Putin
The despot said Moscow will be 'forced to react' if the UK goes ahead with its delivery of 14 next-generation battle tanks. Picture: Getty
Sergei Shiogu
Sergei Shiogu, Russian defence minister, also responded to the latest news of Britain sending new weapons to Ukraine. Picture: Getty

Read More: China has a peace plan for Ukraine when the West is ready, says Putin

Read More: Putin welcomes China’s Xi and hails plan to settle ‘acute crisis’ in Ukraine

When asked if those steps are towards nuclear war, Shiogu answered: "It was not by chance that I told you about steps. There are fewer and fewer."

He concluded with a cryptic statement: "Every war ends in peace".

The depleted uranium ammo is used to help tank rounds pierce targets more easily due to the physical properties of uranium.

It can be a health hazard for those in the vicinity due to radioactive dust potentially getting into subjects' airways and organs.

Tensions have been high between Russia and the West since the invasion of Ukraine with fears of direct conflict spurred recently by collisions between Western and Russian military hardware including drones and jets.

A US drone was downed in an accidental collision with a Russian fighter jet last week - with US military sources saying that they will struggle to recover the downed equipment.

Putin hails China’s Xi plan to settle ‘acute crisis’ in Ukraine

Ukrainian Army Volunteers Are Trained On Challenger Tanks
The depleted uranium ammo is used to help tank rounds pierce targets more easily due to the physical properties of uranium. Picture: Getty

Footage purports to show moment Russian plane intercepts American bomber

Earlier today, Russia said one SU-35 fighter jet was scrambled to meet two US B-52 nuclear bombers that were heading towards its border.

The defence ministry confirmed the fighter jet returned to its based after the bombers moved away from the border. Footage, seemingly taken from the Russian fighter jet, shows one of the two US bombers flying above the clouds.

Meanwhile, Russia also confirmed that two of its own nuclear bombers had flown over the Sea of Japan for seven hours, as Japan's prime minister announced a visit to Ukraine.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
Breaking News

Inonthewayurthinkin denies Galopin Des Champs a third Cheltenham Gold Cup

Rory McIlroy refuses to comment on fan who heckled him at Players Championship

Rory McIlroy responds over angry altercation that saw him take a fan's phone after being heckled

At least half of the Cabinet has called on the Chancellor to walk back planned reforms

Reeves insists ‘broken’ benefits system must be reformed despite fears of Cabinet revolt

Mark Carney is sworn in as prime minister during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Friday

Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead

Gene Hackman's surviving dogs' final act of loyalty after Hollywood star and his wife found dead at home

The flag was removed by police on Friday.

Man arrested after Nazi flag flown outside church in Welsh village

Trump said he will end the 'mess' of the Ukraine war

Trump hails 'good and productive' talks with Russia as he urges Putin to spare lives of Ukrainian troops

Hamas accepts deal to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander and bodies of four dual-nationals

Hamas accepts deal to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander and bodies of four dual-nationals

Claudiu-Karol Kondor was murdered by Mark Ross

Thief jailed for life for murdering Amazon delivery driver who was trying to stop him stealing van

Close up of a dachshund sausage dog in long grass

Sausage dog mauls newborn baby to death after vets refused to euthanise it

Cheryl Tweedy's stalker Daniel Bannister

Cheryl Tweedy's stalker 'terrified son by coming to home after dad Liam Payne's funeral', as convicted killer jailed

Boy, 17, appears in court charged with the murder of Lathaniel Burrell in South London

Boy, 17, appears in court charged with the murder of Lathaniel Burrell in South London

Lydia Mugambe, who took "advantage of her status" over the young Ugandan women, insisted she was “not a criminal” as police took her in, body cam footage shows.

Moment United Nations judge tells police 'I have immunity' as she's arrested after forcing woman to work as her slave

Russell Brand book signing - Gateshead

Russell Brand sued for £220,000 by publisher over failure to write two self-help books

Exclusive
British military in 'sorry state' and needs 'well north of 3% of GDP for a decade', ex-Army chief warns

British military in 'sorry state' and needs 'well north of 3% of GDP for a decade', ex-Army chief warns

Kenyan President William Ruto's motorcade

British pensioner killed in hit-and-run by Kenyan president’s motorcade