Authorities in Kyiv have reported the discovery of hazardous radiation on wreckage from a Russian missile, allegedly containing uranium warhead components.
Ukrainian officials have announced the detection of heightened radioactive fragments on a Vladimir Putin-linked R-60 air-to-air missile, used in an attack on Chernihiv Oblast last month. Experts have measured a gamma radiation level of 12 µSv/h, posing significant health risks to individuals.
The R-60 missile, an infrared-guided heat-seeking weapon, was specifically designed to defend against low-flying Ukrainian aircraft and interceptor helicopters. It was affixed to a modified Shahed-136. According to Ukrainian reports, the Russian missile was discovered in Kamka on April 7 and contained uranium-235 and uranium-238 residues associated with depleted uranium elements.
The seriousness of the allegations has prompted the initiation of a war crimes probe into the purported findings. Ukraine’s SBU security service released a statement indicating the detection of increased radiation levels on the debris and subsequent measures to prevent further public exposure.
The Security Service of Ukraine stated: “The warhead of the Russian missile contains depleted uranium components identified as Uran-235 and Uran-238.
“Following a radiation survey near the enemy drone’s debris with the missile, a gamma radiation level of 12 microsieverts per hour was recorded, significantly surpassing natural radiation levels and endangering human health.
“Collaborating with units of the State Emergency Service and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the SBU rendered the warhead safe and transported it to a radioactive waste storage facility.”
The public is advised to exercise caution upon discovering drone debris, missiles, or other ordnance due to the recent revelation. “Damaged or burned ammunition poses the greatest risk, as it can release radioactive materials,” they cautioned.
Meanwhile, the Russian Armed Forces have commenced a three-day nuclear weapons exercise in Belarus amid speculations of Putin’s intentions to invade Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.
The drills, scheduled until Thursday, involve over 64,000 military personnel and more than 7,800 pieces of equipment. The Belarusian Defence Ministry announced joint nuclear weapons exercises with Russia on Monday to enhance readiness in utilizing modern destructive capabilities, including specialized munitions.
Residents of Belarus have been prohibited from entering forests near the borders with Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine during the military exercises.
Putin displayed discomfort while walking as he arrived for a summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing today. The Russian leader appeared to be experiencing stiffness or pain in his right leg as he walked in platform shoes onto the red carpet to meet the Chinese president. It is speculated that Putin used the elevated shoes to match his height with Xi, who is believed to be around 5ft11, while Putin is 5ft7.
<p class="Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh " data-tmdatatrack="content-unit" data-t