Radiation spike recorded near Russian R-60 missile wreckage in Chernihiv Oblast

The dangerous findings involve fragments of an R-60 air-to-air missile discovered near the village of Kamka.

Russian forces deploy these specific missiles in massive attacks to target Ukrainian aircraft and helicopters attempting to intercept enemy drones, according to the SBU. Radiation reconnaissance near the debris revealed a gamma radiation level of 12 µSv/h, which significantly exceeds natural background radiation and poses a severe threat to human health, the agency stated.

Laboratory tests confirmed that the missile's warhead contains striking elements made of depleted uranium, specifically identified as Uranium-235 and Uranium-238.

SBU, working alongside rescue teams and the military, successfully secured the warhead and transported it to a designated radioactive waste storage facility. Investigators have since launched criminal proceedings under the article of the Ukrainian Criminal Code concerning war crimes.

Authorities urged citizens to exercise extreme caution if they encounter the wreckage of drones, missiles, or other Russian munitions. Damaged or burned ordnance poses the greatest danger, as it can release radioactive dust that is highly hazardous to both people and the environment, SBU noted.