August M
Ukrainian investigators say they have identified depleted uranium inside a Russian missile recovered after an attack in Chernihiv Oblast, raising new concerns over the weapons being used in Moscow’s aerial campaign.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) said the missile was attached to a modified Geran-2 drone and was intended to target Ukrainian helicopters and aircraft involved in air defense operations, reports Kyiv Independent.
Radiation detected
According to the SBU, elevated radiation levels were discovered after specialists examined an unexploded R-60 air-to-air missile recovered following last month’s strike.
Investigators said the source of the radiation was linked to depleted uranium components containing Uranium-235 and Uranium-238.
The agency reported radiation levels reaching 12 micro-Sieverts per hour, significantly above normal background levels.
Emergency responders, military personnel and SBU specialists later secured the warhead before transporting it to a radioactive waste storage facility.
Why it matters
Depleted uranium is commonly produced during uranium enrichment and is known for its extreme density, making it effective at penetrating armored targets.
Ukrainian officials warned that damaged or burned ammunition containing depleted uranium may release hazardous radioactive dust into the environment.
“Damaged or burnt munitions pose the greatest danger, as they can release radioactive dust that is hazardous to people and the environment,” the SBU said.
Authorities urged civilians not to approach debris from drones, missiles or other munitions discovered after attacks.
War crimes probe
Ukraine’s Security Service said investigators have opened a criminal case under Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which relates to alleged war crimes.
The investigation is being overseen by the Chernihiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
Russia has not publicly commented on the Ukrainian allegations regarding the use of depleted uranium in the recovered missile system.
Growing concerns
The discovery comes amid continued Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, including increasing use of modified Iranian-designed Geran drones.
Kyiv has repeatedly accused Moscow of escalating the use of unconventional tactics and weapons during its long-range strike campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure and military targets.
The latest claims are likely to intensify international scrutiny over the types of munitions being deployed in the war.
Sources: Kyiv Independent, SBU
