Radiation spike recorded near Russian R-60 missile wreckage in Chernihiv Oblast
Elevated radiation levels were detected on the fragments of a Russian R-60 missile mounted on a modified Geran-2 attack drone (Photo: Ukraine's Security Service (SBU))
Elevated radiation levels were detected on the fragments of a Russian missile mounted on a modified Geran-2 attack drone after an April 7 strike in Chernihiv Oblast, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) wrote in its statement on May 20.
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.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
