Status: 01.11.2022 07:07
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) begins investigations into a “dirty bomb” in Ukraine. After Russian claims that Ukraine was working on such a weapon, Kyiv had asked for such an inspection.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has started planned inspections in Ukraine after Russian claims that Kyiv intends to use a “dirty bomb”. The inspectors should finish their work soon, said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. The inspections are therefore taking place at the invitation of the Ukrainian authorities.
According to the information, two sites are being checked at which, according to Russian allegations, work is being carried out on a “dirty bomb” in order to detect possible undeclared nuclear activities and materials. Grossi wants to report on the results of the inspection visits this week.
Scholz: Russian allegations “unfounded”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of working on a nuclear bomb. The government in Kyiv wants to “cover up the traces of the construction of a ‘dirty bomb'”. He also knows roughly where the construction is taking place. Ukraine and its Western backers vehemently deny the Russian accusation. Kyiv warns that Russia itself could plan to use such a weapon.
During a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the Russian claims as unfounded. The Federal Chancellor had agreed with the Ukrainian President that the independent investigations by the IAEA would remove any doubts about this, explained government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit.
A “dirty bomb” is a conventional explosive device that releases radioactive, chemical, or biological material when it detonates. Unlike an atomic bomb, there is no nuclear chain reaction.
The IAEA regularly inspects civilian nuclear facilities in Ukraine and around the world to ensure that no fissile material is misused for military purposes.