---
title: "SBU confirms Russia's use of depleted uranium in 'Geran-2' drones in the Sumy region"
description: "The SBU has confirmed Russia's use of depleted uranium in 'Geran-2' drones in the Sumy region. Measurements showed critical radiation levels exceeding the norm. An investigation into war crimes is underway. ☢️🚨"
date: 2026-07-16T10:20:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/sbu-confirms-russias-use-of-depleted-uranium-in-geran-2-drones-in-the-sumy-region
tags: [sbu, ukraine, russia, uranium, geran-2]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# SBU confirms Russia's use of depleted uranium in 'Geran-2' drones in the Sumy region

![Radiation detector and protective gear on table: SBU confirms depleted uranium in Russian Geran-2 drones in Sumy region](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/16/sbu-zafiksirovala-primenenie-rossiej-obednennogo-urana-v-dronah-geran-2/sbu-zafiksirovala-primenenie-rossiej-obednennogo-urana-v-dronah-geran-2-1.webp)

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has documented two new instances of Russia using munitions containing dangerous radioactive elements against Ukrainian territory. This involves the use of depleted uranium components in attack drones, posing a direct threat to public health and the environment.

### Details of incidents in the Sumy region

According to the SBU press service, counterintelligence officers and investigators identified cases of using prohibited technologies during attacks on the Sumy region. The incidents occurred in April 2026, when occupiers shelled the region twice using 'Geran-2' type unmanned aerial vehicles.

Specialists determined that Russian military forces used R-60M air-to-air guided missiles as warheads for these drones. Expert analysis confirmed that the warheads of these missiles contain impact elements made of depleted uranium.

### Radiation levels and consequences

At the sites where the drones fell, the investigative and operational group, together with specialists from the State Emergency Service (SES), conducted radiation background measurements. The results were alarming:

- At one of the impact sites, the gamma radiation level reached 8.3 µSv/h.

- At the second site, the recorded value was 10.5 µSv/h.

These figures significantly exceed the natural radiation background. According to the expert analysis, the total mass of depleted uranium in the missile warheads was 2810 grams. After detecting the dangerous components, specialists neutralized them.

### Investigation and history of use

SBU investigators have already initiated a pre-trial investigation under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for liability for war crimes. The goal of the investigation is to identify and hold accountable individuals involved in organizing and carrying out attacks using prohibited munitions.

This is not the first time such facts have been recorded. Back in April 2026, SBU counterintelligence detected elevated radiation on the debris of a Russian drone in the Chernihiv region. At that time, the gamma radiation level reached 12 µSv/h, and uranium-235 and uranium-238 isotopes were also found in the R-60 missile warhead.