Russia Attacked the Institute for Nuclear Research in Kyiv
On the evening of September 30, a Russian drone attacked the Institute for Nuclear Research in Kyiv. This was reported by the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
As a result of the strike, a fire broke out on the institute's territory, which was quickly extinguished. No one was injured. The VVR-M research nuclear reactor and the main systems ensuring its safety were not damaged. No changes in the radiation background were recorded either. Currently, specialists are investigating the circumstances of the attack and assessing the damage caused.
Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, the research reactor in Kyiv has been in a shutdown state with its active zone completely unloaded. Its operation is limited to routine maintenance of safety-critical systems. The reactor is used as a neutron source for fundamental and applied research in nuclear physics.
The State Inspectorate called the strike on the institute a violation of internationally recognized principles and norms of nuclear and radiation safety.
This is not the first attack on a scientific institution in Kyiv in recent days. On September 28, a Russian drone hit the building of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. As a result, a strong fire broke out, and people were trapped inside and forced to escape through windows. Two people died, including Nataliia Bukalo, assistant to the Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The Vice-President himself, Volodymyr Horbulin, former head of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, sustained minor injuries. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a total of six people were injured, including three children.
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the strike on the National Academy of Sciences building. He stated that the attack was evidence of the Russian leadership's attitude towards Ukrainian science and noted that France and Europe would continue to support Ukraine.