- Kyiv would be preparing a provocation with a "dirty bomb" on its own territory to blame Russia for using weapons of mass destruction.

Building destroyed by a Russian bombardment in Zaporizhia, Ukraine.

Russia assures that Ukraine is preparing a provocation with a "dirty bomb" with radioactive elements

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu conveyed to his French and Turkish counterparts, Sébastien Lecornu and Hulusi Akarla, respectively, on Sunday Moscow's concern about possible provocations by Ukraine with a "dirty bomb", a device that includes radioactive elements.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a brief statement that Shoigu spoke with the ministers separately on Sunday by phone.

"The situation in Ukraine, which has a constant trend towards further uncontrolled escalation, was discussed," the Russian military institution said of the conversation with Lecornu.

Shoigu also conveyed to both ministers "his concern about possible provocations by Ukraine with the use of a 'dirty bomb,'" Defense said, referring to explosive devices capable of dispersing radioactive elements. Russia did not elaborate on this accusation.

The official agency RIA Nóvosti assured early on Sunday that, according to "credible sources in several countries, including Ukraine", Kyiv would be preparing a provocation with a "dirty bomb" on its own territory to blame Russia for using weapons of mass destruction and generate a harsh response from the West.

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