Published: Less than 20 min ago
Russia claims that Ukraine is planning a “dirty bomb”, which spreads radioactive substances.
The accusations are rejected by all NATO allies.
Such an attack will be seen as nuclear terrorism, according to the Russian UN representative.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu called several defense ministers on Sunday and claimed that Ukraine is preparing attacks with a “dirty bomb”, a weapon that spreads radioactive substances.
He said that Ukraine, with the help of countries in the West, is trying to escalate the conflict.
One of those who were called was the British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.
“The Minister of Defense refuted these claims and warned that such accusations should not be used as a pretext for an escalation,” writes British Ministry of Defence in a statement.
Russian letter to the UN: “Nuclear terror”
Russia’s representative in the UN, Vasily Nebenzi, is said to have sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday and informed that Russia will see an attack with a “dirty bomb” as nuclear terrorism, the Russian news agency reports Ria Novosti.
“Moscow calls on the UN Secretary-General to do everything in his power to prevent the execution of such a heinous crime,” writes Ria, referring to the letter.
Rejected by NATO allies
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described the allegations as a “false flag” operation.
“Russian lies about Ukraine allegedly planning to use a ‘dirty bomb’ are as absurd as they are dangerous. First, Ukraine is a committed NPT member: we neither have any “dirty bombs” nor plan to acquire any. Second, the Russians often blame others for what they themselves plan,” tweeted Kuleba.
NATO’s Secretary General stated on Monday evening that he had spoken with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and British Ben Wallace.
“NATO’s allies reject this accusation. Russia cannot use this as a pretext for escalation. We continue to stand by Ukraine”, writes Stoltenberg on Twitter.