Russian drone strikes Kyiv nuclear research institute, reactor undamaged
A Russian drone struck the grounds of the Institute for Nuclear Research in Kyiv, which houses a research reactor, Ukraine's nuclear regulator said Wednesday.
A fire broke out following the Sept. 30 strike but was quickly extinguished. No one was injured, and the reactor and systems important to its safety were not damaged, according to the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate.
Radiation levels remained unchanged at 0.16–0.20 microsieverts per hour, within the natural background range.
The institute's VVR-M research reactor has been shut down since February 2022, with its core completely unloaded to reduce radiation risks. Its operation is currently limited to routine maintenance of safety-related systems.
The reactor is used as a neutron source for fundamental and applied nuclear physics research.
Ukraine's nuclear regulator described the strike as an attack on a peaceful nuclear facility and accused Russia of violating internationally recognized nuclear and radiation safety principles. An investigation and damage assessment are underway.