Ukraine: Russian Drone Fragments Show Depleted Uranium, High Radiation

The discovery of what appears to be a Russian drone armed with depleted uranium raises serious concerns for Ukraine. While the SBU has identified fragments from a Shahed drone in the Chernihiv region that show elevated radiation levels and depleted uranium isotopes, the implications are significant.

“

The optimistic part is that the Russians are literally emptying old warehouses, because such 'junk' is being brought back into use. The pessimistic part is that uranium remains uranium.

According to Focus.ua, the drone attack on April 7th yielded fragments containing Uranium-235 and Uranium-238. The radiation levels near the debris were measured at 12 μSv/h, posing a potential health risk. Ukrainian special services claim Russia is employing these munitions to target Ukrainian aircraft attempting to intercept attack drones. The primary danger, authorities warn, is the radioactive dust that can spread if the munition is damaged, impacting both health and the environment.

“

The natural background radiation is about 0.1–0.3 μSv, and near the debris, values up to 12 μSv were recorded. So, the level is indeed tens of times higher than the normal background. But this does not automatically mean a catastrophe.

Radiobiologist Olena Pareniuk clarified that it wasn't a "radioactive drone" but an old Soviet R-60M missile attached to a Shahed drone, noting that depleted uranium was used in the warheads of such missiles. While she described the Russian reuse of old "junk" as the pessimistic aspect, she also offered a glimmer of optimism, stating that the contamination is localized and unlikely to cause a widespread catastrophe. She advised Ukrainians to avoid the debris and not to inhale or bring the dust home, suggesting that if the warhead is not completely destroyed, the risk of contamination spread could be minimal. Pareniuk also expressed doubt that Russia possesses enough such munitions to significantly alter the country's overall radiation background.

“

It's about local contamination. If you don't come into contact with the debris, don't inhale the dust, and especially don't bring it home, then everything should be fine.

This incident highlights the evolving and increasingly dangerous tactics employed in the conflict. For Ukraine, the use of depleted uranium, even in a localized manner, is a grave escalation. While international coverage might focus on the technical aspects and potential environmental impact, for Ukrainians, it's a direct threat to their safety and a stark reminder of the destructive potential of the weapons being used on their soil. The fact that Russia is reportedly repurposing old Soviet-era weaponry also speaks volumes about the strain on its military resources.

“

I don't think Russia has that many such munitions to significantly affect the country's overall radiation background.