Ukrainians discover terrifying ‘radioactive Russian drone that could cause cancer’

Fragments from a Russian drone were found to contain traces of dangerously radioactive uranium, which experts fear could release cancer causing radioactive dust to those exposed to it

A Russian drone partially made out of dangerously radioactive uranium was fired at Ukraine, officials have claimed.

Tests carried out on the wreckage of a drone fired as part of a strike on Ukraine’s Chernihiv Oblast last month showed elevated radiation levels coming from uranium-235 and uranium-238 found in several fragments, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU).

The SSU claimed the missiles were being used by “Russian troops” during “mass attacks” on “Ukrainian planes and helicopters”. The fragments were reportedly treated on location before being transported to a radioactive waste facility by Ukrainian defence forces.

In an official statement, the SSU told Ukrainians to be ‘especially careful’ if they find drone wreckage, as this level of radiation can cause “the greatest danger”.

The statement read: “Given the toxicity and radioactivity of depleted uranium, we urge citizens to be especially careful if they find wreckage of UAVs, missiles, or other ammunition.

“The greatest danger is posed by damaged or burnt ammunition, as they can emit radioactive dust dangerous to people and the environment,” the SBU emphasized.”

“If such objects are found, do not approach them, do not touch them, and do not move them. It is necessary to move to a safe distance and immediately report it.”

The drone fragments were reportedly found to be emitting gamma radiation levels of 12 microsieverts per hour, which is around 40–100 times above the level of normal background radiation.

The USS said: “During radiation reconnaissance in the immediate vicinity of the wreckage of the enemy drone with the missile, a gamma radiation level of 12 μSv/h was recorded, which significantly exceeds the natural background radiation and poses a threat to human health.”

While long-term exposure to similar wreckage could potentially lead to radiation sickness, the real risk would be from radioactive dust particles emitted from the uranium, which can cause diseases like cancer.

According to the Ukrainian publication Pravda, the USS has launched an investigation into whether the presence of the dangerously radioactive uranium constitutes a war-crime.

The drone fragments were reportedly gathered following a strike on Chernihiv Oblast between the 6-7 April 2026, and came from a model called the Geran-2, an Iranian designed one-way attack or kamikaze drone that cost between $10,000 and $100,000 dollars.

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