Israel to help Ukraine in case of nuclear threat – purchase of radiation drug to save thousands of lives

Ukraine has purchased 12,000 doses of a life-saving radiation treatment from Israel. This cooperation highlights the importance of the connection between Israel and Ukraine in the face of threats from Russian Putin’s aggression.

In recent years, Ukraine has faced serious threats, including the danger of radiation accidents, amid the ongoing Russian Putin’s aggression.

In this context, Ukraine signed an important agreement with the Israeli company Pluri, located in the MATAM Industrial Park in Haifa, which developed a drug capable of significantly reducing the effects of radiation exposure.

On April 20, 2025, The Times of Israel reported this.

This drug, PLX-R18, has been recognized as a promising treatment for “hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome,” which occurs with high levels of radiation, such as after a nuclear accident.

What is the PLX-R18 drug?

Pluri, an Israeli biotechnology company, is known for its achievements in cell technology. It has developed the drug PLX-R18, which is used to treat radiation-related diseases. This drug is based on stem cells obtained from the placenta and undergoes a 3D cultivation process in bioreactors, allowing the production of billions of cells that can treat up to 20,000 patients.

How PLX-R18 works:

• Mechanism of action: In radiation damage, there is destruction of bone marrow and blood cells. PLX-R18 stimulates the recovery of blood cells, enhancing cell regeneration and reducing the effects of radiation exposure.
• Treatment process: The drug is injected intramuscularly and begins to activate the body’s regenerative abilities, allowing for the restoration of normal blood cell levels.

Key stages of cooperation between Ukraine and Israel

In March 2025, the company Pluri signed an agreement with the Ukrainian umbilical blood bank Hemafund. Under this agreement, Israel will supply Ukraine with 12,000 doses of PLX-R18, which will allow for effective treatment of up to 6,000 radiation victims. According to the agreement, it is planned to produce 12,000 doses of the drug for the potential treatment of 6,000 people. These doses will be stored in Hemafund’s cryo-storage facilities and delivered to Ukrainian medical institutions in case of an emergency.

The goal of the cooperation is to create a strategic stockpile of this drug in Ukraine so that in the event of an emergency related to a radiation accident, treatment can begin quickly. This agreement could bring over 100 million dollars to both parties.

Potential radiation accident threats in Ukraine

The situation at Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, such as the Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia NPPs, remains extremely tense. On February 14, 2025, a Russian strike drone with an explosive warhead attacked the protective structure over the 4th reactor of the Chernobyl NPP. Despite the fire being extinguished, the consequences of the strike could have triggered a nuclear catastrophe.

In addition, Zaporizhzhia NPP, which has been under Russian control since March 2022, remains vulnerable. The station is mined, and regular shelling by Russian troops could cause disruptions in its operation.

The problem of radiation exposure and its solution

The Israeli drug PLX-R18 has passed successful clinical trials in both animals and humans, demonstrating its high effectiveness. The results of the studies showed that the drug increased the survival rate of patients with radiation exposure from 29% in the placebo group to 97% in the treatment group. This makes PLX-R18 a unique solution compared to other radiation disease treatments.

Prospects for using PLX-R18 in Ukraine

Ukrainian authorities, along with the company Pluri, hope that the drug will become an important element in the system for preparing for a possible nuclear disaster. Given the threats from Russian Putin’s aggression, this cooperation could be crucial in ensuring the safety of millions of people.

According to statements from representatives of Hemafund, with proper storage and distribution of the drug, Ukraine will be ready for an emergency situation.

Ukraine-Israel partnership in medicine and security

This cooperation between Ukraine and Israel in the field of medicine is a vivid example of how two countries can come together to solve common problems. НАновости notes the importance of such a partnership, which emphasizes not only medical, but also strategic importance in the interaction between the two countries.

Conclusion

The key element of this cooperation is the drug PLX-R18, which could become a lifesaver for thousands of people in the event of a nuclear incident. This agreement demonstrates Israel’s advanced technology in biotechnology and medicine and its willingness to help Ukraine in the face of the escalating threat from Russian Putin’s aggression.

news of Israel will continue to monitor the situation as strengthening ties between Israel and Ukraine in the field of security and medicine will have a significant impact on the future of both countries.