Western leaders slam Russia’s ‘dirty bomb’ accusations and stand by Ukraine
Western leaders have accused Russia of using the threat of a so-called dirty bomb as an excuse to escalate the war in Ukraine even further.
Moscow says Kyiv is planning to use a weapon of mass destruction, as they evacuate civilians from a southern city in anticipation of a major battle.
But the foreign ministers of France, Britain and the United States have all rejected these allegations.
In a joint statement, they label the claims as ‘transparently false’.
Adding, ‘the world would see through any attempt to use this allegation as a pretext for escalation.’
It’s feared Russia may use these allegations as an excuse to use their own dirty bomb.
The war is at a critical stage, as Ukraine’s counteroffensive continues to advance in regions Moscow claims it is annexing.
U.S President Joe Biden advised to pursue diplomacy
This comes as more than two-dozen liberal House members call on U.S. President Joe Biden to pursue direct diplomacy with Russia, and bring the months-long war to an end.
In a letter, the group praises the president’s efforts to support Ukraine all while avoiding direct U.S. involvement on the ground.
But they also want to see a more forceful attempt to stop the conflict all together.
The letter reads, “given the destruction created by this war for Ukraine and the world, as well as the risk of catastrophic escalation, we also believe it is in the interests of Ukraine, the United States, and the world to avoid a prolonged conflict.”
“We urge you to pair the military and economic support the U.S. has provided with a proactive diplomatic push. Redoubling efforts to seek a realistic framework for a ceasefire.”
Strategic communications coordinator at the National Security Council, John Kirby said the White House had received the letter. But he believes there are no indications the Russian President is willing to engage in serious diplomacy.
“When you see and you listen to his rhetoric, and you see the other things, be they atrocities, the war crimes, the airstrikes against civilian infrastructure that the Russians are committing, it’s clear Mr. Putin is in no mood to negotiate,” Kirby said.
