On September 30, 2026, at 18:18 Kyiv time, a Russian drone struck the territory of the Institute of Nuclear Research in Kyiv, where the VVER-M research reactor is located. According to the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, a fire broke out as a result of the attack, which was promptly extinguished, and there were no casualties.
Details of the Attack
The strike on the Institute of Nuclear Research occurred amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. It is known that:
- The attack was carried out by a drone, indicating new tactics in warfare.
- The VVER-M reactor located at the institute was not damaged.
- Safety systems also remained intact.
- The radiation background is normal, with levels ranging from 0.16 to 0.20 µSv/h.
Government and Expert Reactions
The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine emphasized that this strike is an attack on a peaceful nuclear facility that serves exclusively scientific and research purposes. The authorities consider it a war crime and a cynical disregard for international nuclear safety norms. Specifically, it is noted that:
- Since February 2022, the reactor has been in a stopped state with complete unloading of the active zone.
- The operation of the facility is limited to regulatory maintenance of safety-critical systems.
Next Steps
Following the attack, assessments of the damage and investigations into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing. Authorities assure that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine. In particular, specialists continue to monitor the radiation background and are prepared to respond to potential threats.