A Russian drone attacked the Institute for Nuclear Research in Kyiv on 30 September. According to scientists, the research nuclear reactor located there has not been damaged.
Source: State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine
Quote: "According to the information from the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, on 30 September 2026 at 18:18, a Russian UAV struck the premises of the Institute, where the Kyiv research reactor (VVR-M) is located.
The fire that broke out as a result of the attack was quickly extinguished. There were no casualties. An investigation and assessment of the damage caused are ongoing."
Details: The report notes that the reactor itself and safety-important systems were not damaged. No changes in the background radiation level were recorded. Its readings remain within natural background levels (0.16–0.20 µSv/h) and have not changed.
Scientists note that in order to reduce radiation risks, the reactor has been in a shutdown state since February 2022, with a full core discharge. Its operation is limited to routine maintenance of safety-critical systems.
As is known, the VVR-M reactor is used as a neutron source for fundamental and applied research in nuclear physics.
Therefore, scientists emphasise that the UAV strike on the territory of the Institute for Nuclear Research is an attack on a peaceful nuclear facility that performs exclusively scientific and research functions and represents yet another cynical disregard by Russia for internationally recognised principles and norms of nuclear and radiation safety, as well as a war crime.
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