Status: 03.11.2022 4:20 p.m
Russia has accused Ukraine of building a “dirty bomb”. Now the International Atomic Energy Agency has examined three locations – and found no evidence for the allegations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it has not found any evidence that Ukraine is building a “dirty bomb”. This resulted from an inspection of three locations in Ukraine, said IAEA Director Rafael Grossi. “Our previous technical and scientific evaluation of the results did not show any evidence of undeclared nuclear activities and materials at these three locations.”
Denials and requests from Kyiv
The investigation was prompted by Russian allegations that Kyiv allegedly wanted to use a “dirty bomb”. Kyiv had 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 itself.
Collection of environmental samples
The IAEA experts have been able to carry out all planned activities in the past few days and have received unrestricted access, the organization said. According to the information, the inspectors also collected environmental samples.
This sampling is a commonly used security measure using ultra-sensitive analytical techniques that can provide information on past and current activities related to nuclear material. According to Grossi, the results of the environmental samples will be reported as soon as possible.