Ukraine has invited the UN’s nuclear watchdog to examine sites Russia has accused of preparing dirty bombs

The Ukrainian government has sent an invitation to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect two sites Russia alleges is preparing dirty bombs.

Dirty bombs are devices that contain radioactive material which can cause serious illness such as cancer if detonated.

Unlike nuclear bombs, they don’t need to contain highly refined radioactive material, therefore making them cheaper and easier to operate.

Ukraine’s invitation comes after Russia’s recent accusations that two of their institutions are involved in preparing these bombs.

According to Russia’s state run news agency, RIA Novosti, the sites in question are he Eastern Mineral Enrichment Plant in central Dnipropetrovsk region and the Institute for Nuclear Research in Kyiv.

Moscow is yet to offer evidence for the claim, but are expected to address it in the UN’s security Council meeting on Tuesday.

Russia’s representative to council said in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that his country would “regard the use of the dirty bomb by the Kyiv regime as an act of nuclear terrorism”.

“Our Ministry of Defence has also received information that this provocation can be carried out with the support of Western countries,” the letter continues.

The allegations have been denied by Ukraine and Wester allies, with the US, UK and French foreign ministers saying the claims are “transparently false” in a joint statement.