Status: 11.03.2022 16:20
Russia accused Ukraine of building a “dirty bomb”. Now, the International Atomic Energy Agency has examined three sites – and found no evidence for the claims.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it has yet to find any evidence that Ukraine is building a “dirty bomb”. This resulted from an inspection of three sites in Ukraine, said IAEA Director Rafael Grossi. “Our previous technical and scientific evaluation of the results showed no evidence of undeclared nuclear activities and material at these three sites.”
Kyiv denials and requests
The investigation was prompted by Russian allegations that Kyiv allegedly wanted to use a “dirty bomb”. Kyiv has firmly denied the allegations and asked for an IAEA mission. Such a bomb consists of radioactive material released with conventional explosives. Unlike an atomic bomb, there is no nuclear chain reaction. The West fears that Russia could use the accusation against Ukraine as an excuse to use nuclear weapons.
Collection of environmental samples
The IAEA experts were able to carry out all the activities planned in recent days and were given unrestricted access, the organization said. According to the information, inspectors also collected environmental samples.
This sampling is a commonly used safety measure through ultra-sensitive analytical techniques that can provide information on past and current activities related to nuclear materials. According to Grossi, the results of the environmental samples will be released as soon as possible.