Low enriched uranium has been detected in the Russian combat drones launched at Ukraine.
Medianews.az reports that this concerns a Russian drone shot down on the night of April 7 near the settlement of Kamka in Ukraine's Chernihiv region. It was found that the radiation level at the site where the remains of the "Geran-2" drone fell was elevated.
The Ukrainian Security Service stated that the "Geran-2" drone was carrying R-60 type "air-to-air" missiles designed to target planes and helicopters. Highlighting that the radiation detected around the drone debris reached a level that could pose a danger to human health, the Ukrainian Security Service has initiated a criminal case regarding the incident.
Local residents have been warned not to approach the remains of unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles, and other ammunition. It was noted that damaged or burned combat munitions could release radioactive dust particles harmful to people and the environment.
Military munitions made from low enriched or slightly enriched uranium have been previously used in the Ukraine war. In 2023, the United States sent low enriched uranium-containing armor-piercing shells to Ukraine for "Abrams" tanks. Such shells can penetrate armor more easily and create a high-temperature cloud made of metallic dust. Their radioactivity is lower than that of natural uranium.
The United States used low enriched uranium-containing shells during the wars with Iraq in 1990 and 2003, and NATO employed them during airstrikes on former Yugoslavia in 1999.
The Russian side has not yet responded to Ukraine's accusations.