IAEA to Inspect Area Russia Claimed as Ukraine's 'Dirty Bomb' Manufacturing Site

Russia points to 2 sites including Kyiv nuclear research center
Ukraine requests IAEA to dispatch experts

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that it will conduct inspections of two facilities, including the Kyiv Nuclear Research Institute, which Russia has identified as a 'Dirty Bomb' manufacturing site within Ukraine. This move follows Ukraine's request for an inspection by the IAEA, countering Russia's baseless fabrications.

Western countries analyze that Russia has designated Ukraine's nuclear-related facilities as Dirty Bomb manufacturing sites as part of a 'False Flag' operation to justify the use of nuclear weapons on the front lines. Although Russia has not yet entered a posture for nuclear weapon use, the possibility of using Dirty Bombs or low-yield nuclear weapons continues to be raised if the situation on the Ukrainian front deteriorates severely.

IAEA: "No abnormalities found during inspection a month ago, but will visit"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

According to CNN on the 24th (local time), the IAEA stated in a press release that it plans to inspect two facilities soon: the Kyiv Nuclear Research Institute and a mineral enrichment plant in Dnipro, both suspected by Russia to be Dirty Bomb production sites in Ukraine. The IAEA said the inspection is in response to a request from Ukrainian experts. A Dirty Bomb is a weapon that uses conventional explosives combined with radioactive materials to cause widespread radioactive contamination and is banned by the international community.

Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, said at a press conference, "The IAEA already investigated one of the two sites last month and confirmed that protective measures were properly implemented, with no undisclosed nuclear-related activities or materials found. We are preparing to visit both institutions within days at the request of the Ukrainian government to verify whether there are any undisclosed nuclear-related activities or materials."

Previously, the Russian government claimed that Ukraine was manufacturing Dirty Bombs at these two facilities. According to TASS news agency, Igor Kirillov, commander of Russia's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Troops, held a briefing for military attach?s from foreign embassies in Russia and asserted, "According to the information we have obtained, Ukraine has ordered the production of Dirty Bombs at these two facilities."

Among the two facilities pointed out by Russia, the Kyiv Nuclear Research Institute was established in 1944 during the Soviet era and is known as a facility that conducted research in nuclear physics and solid-state physics.

Ukraine has strongly opposed Russia's false claims. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba explained, "Contrary to Russia's false assertions, both institutions are engaged in peaceful activities and have requested to send experts from the IAEA."

Will Russia launch a False Flag operation? No signs of nuclear use yet

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Nevertheless, Russia is reportedly planning to raise the Dirty Bomb issue at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting scheduled for the 25th. According to the Associated Press, Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's ambassador to the UN, wrote in a letter to UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres and the Security Council, "We consider the Kyiv regime's use of Dirty Bombs as an act of nuclear terrorism," and urged Western countries to exert influence to make the Kyiv regime abandon its dangerous plans that threaten international peace and security.

As the Russian military and government consistently raise the issue of Ukraine's Dirty Bombs, Western countries analyze that Russia may be preparing a False Flag operation to justify preemptive nuclear use on the Ukrainian front. Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, warned in a press briefing, "Whether President Putin uses a Dirty Bomb or a nuclear bomb, there will be consequences for Russia."

The United States and Western authorities are reportedly continuing to closely monitor the possibility of Russia's nuclear use. John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the White House National Security Council (NSC), said in a press briefing, "We take reports of the possible use of a 'Dirty Bomb' against Kyiv very seriously and are closely monitoring the situation. However, we have not observed any indications of physical preparations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.