According to the Institute of Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, on September 30, 2026, at 6:18 p.m. (Kyiv time), a russian UAV struck the grounds of the Institute of Nuclear Research, 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 are ongoing.
The reactor itself and safety-critical systems were not damaged. No changes in background radiation levels have been recorded; readings remain within natural background levels (0.16–0.20 μSv/h) and have not changed.
To minimize radiation risks, the reactor has been shut down since February 2022, with the core fully unloaded. Its operation is limited to routine maintenance of safety-critical systems.
The Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is a leading research institution in the fields of nuclear physics, nuclear energy, and radioecology. The VVR-M reactor is used as a neutron source for fundamental and applied research in nuclear physics.
Therefore, the UAV strike on the territory of the Institute for Nuclear Research constitutes an attack on a peaceful nuclear facility that serves exclusively scientific and research purposes, and represents yet another cynical disregard by russia for internationally recognized principles and standards of nuclear and radiation safety, as well as a war crime.
