Putin Mentions 'Dirty Bomb' for the First Time... "Ukraine Also Wants Nuclear Weapons"

"Need for Protective Measures for Major Infrastructure"
Concerns Over Escalation Justification Using 'False Flag' Operations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin has, for the first time, directly mentioned the possibility of Ukraine's 'Dirty Bomb' provocation. He emphasized the need for protective measures for major infrastructure facilities within Russia, stating that Ukraine also desires to possess nuclear weapons. In the West, concerns are rising that the fact President Putin himself has spoken about the Dirty Bomb suspicions may signal the beginning of a 'False Flag' operation to justify escalation.

According to TASS news agency on the 26th (local time), President Putin said during a video conference with intelligence chiefs from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), composed of former Soviet republics, "We are aware of Ukraine's plans to use a Dirty Bomb," and added, "Ukraine also harbors aspirations to possess nuclear weapons." This marks the first time President Putin has publicly addressed suspicions related to the Dirty Bomb.

The term Dirty Bomb refers to weapons equipped with radioactive materials combined with conventional warheads. Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Kremlin successively raised suspicions that Ukraine was preparing a Dirty Bomb provocation, turning it into an international issue.

President Putin harshly criticized, saying, "The U.S. government continues to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons, and Ukraine has effectively lost its sovereignty, being under U.S. control," while warning, "The CIS region has become a global conflict zone, and the likelihood of ongoing conflicts remains high." He continued, "Terrorist acts like the Crimean Bridge explosion could occur anywhere across Russia and the CIS infrastructure," emphasizing, "Strong protective measures for key facilities are necessary."

Reiterating suspicions about Ukraine's Dirty Bomb, President Putin also personally observed Russia's annual nuclear exercise, 'Grom (Thunder).' The Russian government released footage of launches of key Russian nuclear missiles, including the hypersonic missiles Kinzhal and Zircon, the Iskander tactical ballistic and cruise missiles, and the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This is interpreted as a move to pressure the West by continuously hinting at the possibility of nuclear weapon use.

Meanwhile, Western countries, led by the United States, continue to remain vigilant, viewing President Putin's remarks and actions as a False Flag operation aimed at creating a pretext for escalation, including the use of nuclear weapons.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, attending a Bloomberg News event on the same day, stated, "Russia's recent claims mentioning Ukraine's possible use of a Dirty Bomb are yet another lie and demonstrate extreme irresponsibility as a nuclear power," adding, "The reason these specific claims cause us some concern is that Russia has a history of accusing others of actions they themselves have done or planned."

Secretary Blinken further said, "We have communicated to President Putin directly and very clearly about the consequences that would follow (from nuclear weapon use)," confirming that the U.S. government has officially issued a nuclear use warning to Russia. However, he did not specify through which channels this warning was delivered.

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