Sergei Shoigu Cites Nuclear Threat in Kursk to Block Negotiations with Ukraine

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claims Ukraine is preparing a "dirty bomb" attack

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has alleged that Ukraine is preparing to use a "dirty bomb" - a conventional explosive laced with radioactive material - in order to frame Russia for the attack and potentially draw NATO into the conflict.

In a series of phone calls with his counterparts from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Turkey, Shoigu said that Ukraine is planning to detonate the dirty bomb in its own territory and blame Russia for the radioactive fallout as a "deliberate provocation."

Shoigu's allegations come amid a series of Russian setbacks in the war in Ukraine

The Russian military has suffered a series of setbacks in recent weeks, including the loss of the strategically important city of Lyman in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has also launched a counteroffensive in the southern Kherson region, and is making slow but steady progress in retaking territory from Russian forces.

Shoigu's allegations may be an attempt to deflect attention from these setbacks, and to create a pretext for further Russian escalation.

The United States and its allies have rejected Shoigu's allegations as "unfounded"

The United States and its allies have rejected Shoigu's allegations as "unfounded" and have warned Russia against any use of nuclear weapons, either tactical or strategic.

The US has said that it would take "decisive" action if Russia uses a dirty bomb or other nuclear weapon in Ukraine.

The use of a dirty bomb would be a significant escalation of the war in Ukraine

The use of a dirty bomb would be a significant escalation of the war in Ukraine and could potentially lead to a wider conflict involving NATO countries.

The radioactive fallout from a dirty bomb could contaminate a wide area and cause significant health and environmental damage.

Russia has a history of making false allegations against its enemies

Russia has a history of making false allegations against its enemies, including accusing them of preparing to use chemical or biological weapons.

These allegations are often used to justify Russian aggression and to sow mistrust and division.