Depleted Uranium Used by Russia in Chernihiv Drone Attacks
The Security Service of Ukraine reports six new cases of Russia using depleted uranium munitions in Chernihiv, finding DU in Geran-2 drones and R-60M missiles adapted for UAVs, with radiological tests showing radiation levels about 80 times the natural background and gamma readings of 8.3–24 μSv/h; uranium-235 and uranium-238 were identified in warheads, and a war-crimes investigation has been opened. Authorities warn the public to avoid drone and missile debris and to report any finds to authorities as the investigation continues.
World · 5 sources · Jul 23, 2026Read itThe journal
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About uranium-238
Uranium-238 is the most common isotope of uranium found in nature, with a relative abundance above 99%. Unlike uranium-235, it is non-fissile, which means it cannot sustain a chain reaction in a thermal-neutron reactor. However, it is fissionable by fast neutrons, and is fertile, meaning it can be transmuted to fissile plutonium-239. 238U cannot support a chain reaction because inelastic scattering reduces neutron energy below the range where fast fission of one or more next-generation nuclei is probable. Doppler broadening of 238U's neutron absorption resonances, increasing absorption as fuel temperature increases, is also an essential negative feedback mechanism for reactor control.
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