Russia continues nuclear terror: a "drone" strike was carried out on the territory of the Institute for Nuclear Research in Kyiv

According to the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, on September 30, 2026 at 18:18 (Kyiv time), a Russian UAV struck the territory of the Institute for Nuclear Research, where the Kyiv Research Reactor (VVR-M) is located.

The fire that arose as a result of the attack was quickly extinguished. There were no injuries. An investigation and assessment of the damage caused are ongoing.

The reactor itself and systems important for safety were not damaged. No changes in the radiation background were recorded, its indicators are within the natural background (0.16-0.20 μSv/h) and have not changed.✅

In order to reduce radiation risks, the reactor has been in a stopped state with a complete discharge of the core since February 2022.  Its operation is limited to routine maintenance of systems important for safety.

📌The Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is a leading research institution in the fields of nuclear physics, atomic energy and radioecology. The VVR-M reactor is used as a neutron source for fundamental and applied research in the field of nuclear physics.

Therefore, the UAV strike on the territory of the Institute for Nuclear Research is an attack on a peaceful nuclear facility that performs an exclusively scientific and research function, and is another cynical disregard by Russia for internationally recognized principles and norms of nuclear and radiation safety and a war crime.