SBU: Elevated radiation levels detected on Russian drone debris; striking elements made of depleted uranium
Kyiv • UNN
The SBU recorded radiation levels exceeding the norm on the debris of an enemy drone. Elements made of depleted uranium were discovered in the warhead of an R-60 missile.
An elevated radiation level was detected on the wreckage of a Russian strike drone used by the enemy to attack the Chernihiv region in April 2026; research identified "striking elements made of depleted uranium, identified as Uranium-235 and Uranium-238," the SBU reported on Wednesday, UNN writes.
Counterintelligence and investigators of the Security Service detected an elevated radiation level on the fragments of a Russian missile that the Rrashists had mounted on a modified "Geran-2" strike drone during an attack on the Chernihiv region on the night of April 7 this year. This refers to fragments of an R-60 air-to-air missile found near the village of Kamka,
It was established that "Russian troops use such missiles during mass attacks to hit Ukrainian planes and helicopters that intercept enemy UAVs," the special service noted.
"During radiation reconnaissance in the immediate vicinity of the wreckage of the enemy drone with the missile, a gamma radiation level of 12 μSv/h was recorded, which significantly exceeds the natural background radiation and poses a threat to human health," the SBU indicated.
The SBU, together with units of the State Emergency Service and the Defense Forces of Ukraine, rendered the missile's warhead safe and transported it to a radioactive waste storage site.
According to the research results, it was established that the warhead of the Russian missile includes striking elements made of depleted uranium, identified as Uranium-235 and Uranium-238,
Based on this fact, Security Service investigators are conducting a pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings under Art. 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (war crimes) under the procedural guidance of the Chernihiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.
"Given the toxicity and radioactivity of depleted uranium, we urge citizens to be especially careful if they find wreckage of UAVs, missiles, or other ammunition. The greatest danger is posed by damaged or burnt ammunition, as they can emit radioactive dust dangerous to people and the environment," the SBU emphasized.
"If such objects are found, do not approach them, do not touch them, and do not move them. It is necessary to move to a safe distance and immediately report it to the hotline numbers: SBU – 15-16, SES – 101, or the National Police – 102," the special service stressed.