Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) announced it has identified six cases of Russian drones carrying depleted uranium warheads, with lab tests detecting uranium-235 and uranium-238 isotopes. The radiation levels at impact sites exceeded natural background levels. A war crimes investigation has been opened.
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) formally announced this afternoon that it has opened a war crimes investigation into the use of depleted uranium in six Russian drone warheads, following laboratory confirmation of uranium-235 and -238 isotopes. The investigation, first reported in earlier SBU statements, was officially confirmed by the agency at around 14:00 Jerusalem.
The initial reports emerged at 13:18 Jerusalem, when the SBU, citing site tests showing elevated radiation, announced six new cases of depleted uranium use in drone strikes on the Chernihiv region. Minutes later, at 13:19, lab tests confirmed the presence of uranium isotopes. The Zioneer reported the lab confirmation at 13:51 Jerusalem. The earlier reports already mentioned a war crimes investigation; today's announcement formalizes the probe.
The use of radiological materials in drones marks a significant escalation. Also earlier today, at 13:26 Jerusalem, Ukraine reported that Russia launched drones carrying enriched uranium warheads toward Kyiv — a claim that remains unverified. The Zioneer has also reported on a Russian drone strike on the Chernobyl spent-fuel storage facility in June (Sun Jun 7, 12:21 Jerusalem). These events underscore a growing nuclear dimension to the conflict.
It remains unclear whether the enriched uranium claims will be corroborated. Depleted uranium, while confirmed in these six cases, is not banned under international law, though its use in populated areas raises legal and environmental concerns.
3 developments
- StrongUkraine reports: Russia used enriched uranium warheads in overnight drone attack on Kyiv
- DevelopingFire erupts at Russian oil refinery after drone interceptions, Moscow says
- DevelopingRussia reports downing 660 Ukrainian drones overnight, likely the largest attack yet
- DevelopingRussian drone reportedly strikes spent-fuel storage at Chernobyl nuclear plant
Source and signal
- Internal intake