{"id":2521,"date":"2026-05-21T10:14:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T10:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/?p=2521"},"modified":"2026-05-21T10:14:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T10:14:02","slug":"ukrainians-discover-terrifying-radioactive-russian-drone-that-could-cause-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/?p=2521","title":{"rendered":"Ukrainians discover terrifying &#8216;radioactive Russian drone that could cause cancer&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_50964b\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">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<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37186218\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"drone fragment \" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186218.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_radioactive-drone.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186218.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_radioactive-drone.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186218.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_radioactive-drone.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186218.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_radioactive-drone.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"The radioactive traces were found in fragments of a so-called kamikaze drone \" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">The radioactive traces were found in fragments of a so-called kamikaze drone <cite aria-label=\"Image: Security Service of Ukraine\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Security Service of Ukraine)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A Russian drone partially made out of dangerously radioactive uranium was fired at <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailystar.co.uk\/latest\/ukraine\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Ukraine<\/a>, officials have claimed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Tests carried out on the wreckage of a drone fired as part of a<a aria-label=\" strike on Ukraine's Chernihiv OblastLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailystar.co.uk\/news\/world-news\/major-nuclear-war-fears-putins-37177699\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\"> strike on Ukraine&#8217;s Chernihiv Oblast<\/a> 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).<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The SSU claimed the missiles were being used by &#8220;<a aria-label=\"Russian troopsLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailystar.co.uk\/news\/world-news\/gallery\/wild-putin-speech-despot-tells-37175245\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Russian troops<\/a>&#8221; during &#8220;mass attacks&#8221; on &#8220;Ukrainian planes and helicopters&#8221;. The fragments were reportedly treated on location before being transported to a radioactive waste facility by Ukrainian defence forces.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37186219\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37186219\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.51\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"drone fragment \" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186219.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186219.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186219.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186219.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"The drone fragments were found to contain uranium \" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">The drone fragments were found to contain uranium <cite aria-label=\"Image: Security Service of Ukraine\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Security Service of Ukraine)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">In an official statement, the SSU told Ukrainians to be &#8216;especially careful&#8217; if they find drone wreckage, as this level of radiation can cause &#8220;the greatest danger&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The statement read: &#8220;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;The greatest danger is posed by damaged or burnt ammunition, as they can emit radioactive dust dangerous to people and the environment,&#8221; the SBU emphasized.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37186217\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37186217\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.8\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"drone fragment testing\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186217.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186217.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186217.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186217.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"The fragments were taken to a radioactive waste disposal site\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">The fragments were taken to a radioactive waste disposal site<cite aria-label=\"Image: Security Service of Ukraine\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Security Service of Ukraine)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;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.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The drone fragments were reportedly found to be emitting gamma radiation levels of 12 microsieverts per hour, which is around 40\u2013100 times above the level of normal background radiation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The USS said: &#8220;During radiation reconnaissance in the immediate vicinity of the wreckage of the enemy drone with the missile, a gamma radiation level of 12 \u03bcSv\/h was recorded, which significantly exceeds the natural background radiation and poses a threat to human health.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37186216\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37186216\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"drone fragment \" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186216.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186216.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186216.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37186216.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_radioactive-drone.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Ukraine has told residents to stay away\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Ukraine has told residents to stay away<cite aria-label=\"Image: Security Service of Ukraine\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Security Service of Ukraine)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><em>For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our <\/em><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailystar.co.uk\/newsletter-preference-centre\/\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><em>newsletters<\/em><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fragments from a Russian drone were found to contain traces of dangerously radioactive uranium, which&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2522,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2521","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone.jpg",1200,675,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone-768x432.jpg",640,360,true],"large":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone-1024x576.jpg",640,360,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone.jpg",1200,675,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone.jpg",1200,675,false],"covernews-slider-full":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone-1115x675.jpg",1115,675,true],"covernews-slider-center":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone-800x500.jpg",800,500,true],"covernews-featured":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone-1024x576.jpg",1024,576,true],"covernews-medium":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone-540x340.jpg",540,340,true],"covernews-medium-square":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_radioactive-drone-400x250.jpg",400,250,true]},"author_info":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/?author=1"},"category_info":"<a 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