Russian Defense Chief Claims—Without Evidence—Ukraine Could Use ‘Dirty Bomb’

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told foreign defense officials on Sunday thatUkraine could be planning to use a "dirty bomb".

According to Russian readouts of conversations with British, French and Turkish defense officials, Shoigu talked about the use of a dirty bomb.

The Russian readout said that Shoigu told his French counterpart that he was concerned about possible provocations from the Ukrainians.

The Russian defense chief is said to have discussed dirty bombs with his counterparts in the United Kingdom and Turkey.

Russia said that Shoigu did not provide evidence that Ukraine was planning to use nuclear waste material.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba denied Russia's allegations and said that Russians often accuse other people of what they plan themselves.

The British Ministry of Defence said in a statement that Shoigu accusedUkraine of planning military actions to ramp up the war, which Wallace denied, warning that Russia should not use the allegations as a pretext for greater escalation.

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The accusations of Ukraine preparing to use dirty bombs were rejected by the White House. The world would watch any attempt by Russia to escalate the invasion of Ukraine. On Sunday, Shoigu spoke with his American counterpart, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who rejected any pretext for Russian escalation, according to a Pentagon statement.

Tangent

Since the beginning of the invasion, Russia has made false accusations about the Ukrainians planning to use nuclear weapons. In March, Russian claimed to have found evidence of a bio weapons program funded by the U.S., but both Washington and the Ukrainian government denied it.

Key Background

Nine months have passed since Russia invadedUkraine. According to a Gallup poll, 70% of Ukranians support fighting until the war is over, compared to 26% who would prefer negotiations to end the conflict quickly. The only bridge linking Russia and Crimea was damaged in an explosion, which Putin said was an act of terrorism by Ukraine, which has not claimed responsibility for the attack. Putin said he might use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine.

Russia's defense chief made a false claim that Kyiv was ready to use a dirty bomb.