Ukraine rejects reports of radiation linked to new Russian arms

The Ukrainian Air Force has responded to reports of elevated radiation levels on debris from a downed Russian drone, urging the public to remain calm, Yuriy Ihnat, the head of communications, has stated.

He denied claims that Russia had used a new type of weapon, saying the detected radiation is linked to components of an old Soviet R-60 missile, which Russia attempted to use on a modified Geran-2 strike drone, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

According to him, the alloy contains depleted uranium, which is inactive.

“It seems people on social media have already explained everything — it is simply a standard alloy used in this old Soviet missile,” Ihnat noted.

He emphasised that such missiles are used by Russia during air raids in attempts to counter Ukrainian aircraft and helicopters that intercept kamikaze drones.

Despite the material being non-active uranium, damaged components still require strict safety precautions when handled.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported detecting elevated radiation levels on debris from a Russian Geran-2 drone used in an attack on the Chernihiv region in April.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov