Radiation levels rose 80-fold: Russia attacked Ukraine with uranium-equipped drones
A Russian drone (photo: Getty Images)
Russian forces used depleted uranium munitions against Ukraine by equipping Geran-2 attack drones with them. The hazardous components were discovered following strikes in the Chernihiv region, according to a statement by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU).
Investigators from the Security Service of Ukraine and specialists from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine conducted a radiological examination of the wreckage of enemy drones used by Russia to attack the Chernihiv region between April and June. During inspections of the strike sites, they recorded radiation levels that were 80 times higher than the natural background level.
Gamma radiation levels measured on individual fragments ranged from 8.3 to 24 microsieverts per hour, compared with the permissible sanitary limit of 0.3 microsieverts per hour. Such radiation poses a direct threat to human health and the environment.
Nuclear materials in the warheads
The investigation found that Russian forces had adapted R-60M missiles for use on drones. An examination established that the warheads of these missiles contained the nuclear materials uranium-235 and uranium-238.
Russia's use of weapons containing nuclear materials (photo: t.me/SBUkr)
Russia's use of weapons containing nuclear materials (photo: t.me/SBUkr)
The presence of radioactive components was confirmed using dosimetric equipment and a mobile radiological laboratory. The hazardous munitions have now been neutralized, and the affected areas have been secured.
The Security Service of Ukraine has opened a criminal investigation under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (war crimes) over the use of the hazardous weapons.
The Security Service of Ukraine urged citizens not to approach any drone or missile wreckage they may discover and to immediately contact the emergency services.
As previously reported, the aggressor state may be preparing false flag operations against NATO member states in an effort to weaken their support for Ukraine.
In particular, this could involve the use of drones disguised as Ukrainian ones to carry out strikes against the Baltic states and stage provocations against Poland.
