Ukraine Says Russia Used Depleted Uranium in Attack Drones

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) says it has documented six new cases in which Russian Geran-2 attack drones carried munitions containing depleted uranium components. According to the agency, they were used in strikes on the Chernihiv region between April and June 2026.

The SSU said Russian forces were using R-60M missiles adapted for launch from Geran-2 drones and equipped with radioactive elements.

During inspections of drone impact sites and radiological examinations of the warheads, investigators and specialists from the State Emergency Service recorded radiation levels up to 80 times higher than the natural background.

Gamma radiation emitted by individual drone fragments ranged from 8.3 to 24 microsieverts per hour, compared with the maximum permissible sanitary limit of 0.3 microsieverts per hour. According to the SSU, such levels pose a direct threat to human health and the environment.

An expert examination commissioned by the agency found that the missile warheads contained uranium-235 and uranium-238. The presence of radioactive components was also confirmed using dosimetry equipment and a mobile automated radiological monitoring system.

After examining the hazardous munitions, the authorities took measures to neutralize them and protect the public. The SSU has opened criminal proceedings under Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code on suspicion of war crimes.

(ukrinform, bak)