Main image: U.S. soldiers perform nuclear forensics ground collection during an exercise in Mississippi in spring 2024. U.S. ARMY / MAJ. STEVEN M. MODUGNO
Ten employees of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and ten Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) soldiers completed a week-long training at the Idaho National Laboratory (USA), where they studied methods for collecting evidence for forensic analysis following a potential nuclear strike. This was reported by Defense One.
The Ukrainian specialists were trained in methods for decontaminating affected areas, collecting debris, dust, and rubble, safely placing these materials in radiation-shielded containers, and transporting them. One participant of the program mentioned that the knowledge and skills gained would "definitely be applied in practice" upon returning home. The delegation highly praised the training, calling it both useful and effective.
David Chichester, a scientist at the laboratory, emphasized that the likelihood of Russia using nuclear weapons in Ukraine remains "very low." However, he noted that the Ukrainian side takes this threat extremely seriously:
"Ukrainian specialists approached the training with full responsibility, as this threat is real for them."
Nuclear forensics plays a key role in the U.S. deterrence strategy. The ability to precisely identify the origin of materials used in a nuclear weapon allows the U.S. to hold any state involved in acts of nuclear terrorism accountable, the publication highlights.
Meanwhile, nuclear rhetoric around the world is growing louder. On November 19, Vladimir Putin approved an updated Russian nuclear doctrine. According to the document, Moscow may use nuclear weapons in response to drone attacks, cruise missile strikes, or the threat of losing part of its territory.
