Nuclear terrorism fears spark warning that Putin would face 'severe consequences'

The United States has issued a stern warning to Vladimir Putin, cautioning of “severe consequences” should he detonate a dirty bomb containing radioactive material in Ukraine. This comes in response to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu’s claim that Ukraine was planning such an attack, an assertion refuted by the UK, US, and France, who labeled it a “pretext for escalation.”

Tory MP Tobias Ellwood, Chairman of Parliament’s Defence Committee, suggested that Shoigu’s allegations were a potential precursor to Russia employing a dirty bomb in a “false flag” operation, aiming to blame Ukraine for the act.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing the nation on Monday night, interpreted Russia’s accusation as an indication that Moscow itself was planning such an attack, intending to shift blame onto Ukraine. He asserted, “If Russia calls and says that Ukraine is allegedly preparing something, it means one thing: Russia has already prepared all this.”

The United States, through State Department spokesman Ned Price, emphasized the clarity of their communication with Russia regarding the severe consequences that would follow any nuclear use, whether it be a dirty bomb or a nuclear bomb. White House national security spokesman John Kirby noted that there were no signs of Moscow’s preparations for nuclear weapon use.

In response to the escalating situation, Russia sent a letter to the United Nations detailing its claims about Kyiv, with plans to raise the issue at a closed meeting of the Security Council. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia warned that the use of a dirty bomb by Ukraine would be considered an act of nuclear terrorism.

Russia’s defence ministry asserted that Ukraine’s potential “dirty bomb” attack aimed to blame Russia for resulting radioactive contamination. They claimed to be preparing forces and resources for such a scenario, anticipating tasks in conditions of radioactive contamination.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced its readiness to send inspectors to two Ukrainian sites in response to Russia’s claims, with inspections already scheduled for these locations. Russia’s state news agency identified the sites as the Eastern Mineral Enrichment Plant and the Institute for Nuclear Research.

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists, with Russia facing battlefield defeats in September and escalating its military activities, concerns grow over the potential use of nuclear or radiological weapons, further complicating an already dire situation in the region.

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