UN agency inspects Ukraine sites over Russian claims of 'dirty bomb' plans
The United Nations' nuclear watchdog says its experts have started inspections at two sites in Ukraine to investigate Russian claims that Kiev plans to set off radioactive "dirty bombs" in the country.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said the inspections had "begun – and would soon complete verification activities at two locations in Ukraine."
Grossi said he would later this week provide "his initial conclusions about the latest verification activities."
The inspections follow a written request from Kiev to send IAEA teams for inspections at the sites.
That came after top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, said that Moscow was "aware of Ukraine's plans to use a dirty bomb."
Dirty bombs are explosives laced with radioactive, biological, or chemical materials, which spread in an explosion.
In a letter to UN Security Council members, Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said last week that Ukraine's nuclear research facility and mining company had "received direct orders from (President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy's regime to develop such a dirty bomb."
On Thursday, Putin called for the IAEA to inspect Ukraine's nuclear sites "as fast as possible."
Ukraine and its Western allies rejected Russia's claims, accusing Moscow of trying to distract attention from its own alleged plans to detonate a dirty bomb. The United States also dismissed Russia's allegations as a "false claim."
Russia invaded Ukraine in February. It has since annexed four Ukrainian regions.
Iran urges pope to help end Israeli onslaught in Gaza
Russia launches 'ICBM' for first time against Ukraine: Kiev
US closes embassy in Kiev over potential ‘significant’ air attack by Russia
VIDEO | Paris march in support of Palestine women
VIDEO | ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister, ousted regime war minister
120 Palestinians perish as Israeli war machine keeps ravaging Gaza
VIDEO | Struggles of Palestinian women amidst war, displacement
VIDEO | Hezbollah rains attack drones down on elite Israeli brigade
VIDEO | US biased mediation fails
Leader: All captains of criminal, Zionist, terrorist gang must be prosecuted
Iran further raises its oil prices for Chinese buyers: Report
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
