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What is a dirty bomb and could one be used in Ukraine?

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Russia is accusing Ukraine of preparing a dirty bomb, as tensions continue to worsen between the two countries

Russia insists Ukraine is seeking to use a weapon of mass destruction.

The Kremlin has doubled down on claims a ‘dirty bomb’ is being prepared as the war in Ukraine ticks into its eighth month.

Russian state-media said the West is “wrong” to ignore the warnings coming from Moscow.

“This attitude, far from being serious, is unacceptable given the seriousness of the danger that we are talking about,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

These weapons combine conventional explosives with radioactive material.

The radioactive material increases the destructive power of the bomb and also creates long-lasting radiological contamination.

“Once again, we are emphasising the grave danger that stems from the implementation of the plans the Ukrainians have,” Mr Peskov said.

When a dirty bomb detonates, the explosion scatters the radioactive material over a wide area.

The damage depends on the type of explosive used, the strength of the explosion, and the amount and type of radioactive material dispersed.

While it is not considered a nuclear weapon, it can cause death and injuries from the initial explosion and from the exposure to radiation.

In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes it is an “improvised nuclear device or nuclear weapon”.

Russia has requested a meeting with the United Nations Security Council to discuss Kyiv’s alleged plans.

Russian state-media said its fellow security council members (the U.S., Britain, China and France), and the UN’s Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have been briefed on the matter.

However, the West has described Moscow’s claims as “false”.

“Let me just say Russia would be making an incredibly serious mistake were it to use a tactical nuclear weapon.”

JOE BIDEN, U.S. PRESIDENT

U.S. President Joe Biden—who anticipated Russia’s invasion of Ukraine based on U.S. intelligence—said the use of tactical weapons would be a serious mistake.

“I cannot guarantee you that it is a false flag operation yet,” he said.

What is the threat?

Russia, and indeed the U.S. have a history of using unconventional weapons against its enemies, in both real and perceived terms.

In recent years, there have been several reports of soldiers using chemical weapons in Syria.

Professor John Bryson from the University of Birmingham said Russia’s President is getting desperate.

“Putin has created a major problem for the Kremlin, and this is a problem of his own making.”

“Statehood is based not just on a territory that is recognised under international law but is also founded on a set of institutions that are respected by citizens and other states,” he said.

The U.S. Defense Department said it has “sophisticated technical means” of detecting nuclear or radiological detonations of any kind.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow’s allegations are “not empty words”.

He has also doubled down on claims about these radioactive weapons being used. He said they “have been verified”.

But Professor Bryson said this rhetoric could be indicative of Russia planning to use these weapons itself.

“Putin has very few options left. He continues to try to find some positive outcome to his special military operation.”

PROFESSOR JOHN BRYSON, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

“The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine would only cement Russia’s failure on three fronts—within Russia, international governmental and corporate relations and within Ukraine,” Professor Bryson said.

Dirty bombs are yet to be used in combat. However, a group of Islamic State militants gathered the ingredients to launch one of these weapons in the city of Mosul, Iraq in 2017.

UK monitoring showed Islamic State was suspected of using chemical weapons on at least 52 occasions since 2014 in and around the Mosul area.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said reports about a dirty bomb are part of a broader disinformation campaign by Moscow.

“Unlike Russia, Ukraine has always been and remains transparent. We have nothing to hide,” Mr Kuleba said.  

But Professor Bryson believes Moscow may have its own rationale for using such weapons.

“Putin has argued that the United States created a nuclear precedent by bombing Japan.”

But Professor Bryson maintains this is still “no precedent for deploying nuclear weapons”.

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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Pope sparks concern as he blesses block of ice

Pope Leo XIV blesses ice to challenge climate change deniers, urging leaders to act boldly on environmental issues.

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Pope Leo XIV blesses ice to challenge climate change deniers, urging leaders to act boldly on environmental issues.


Pope Leo XIV has captured global attention by blessing a block of ice in a symbolic stand against climate change deniers.

He urged leaders to show courage rather than delay, marking one of his strongest interventions yet on the environment.

#climatechange #pope #DonaldTrump #TickerNews


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Diddy sentenced to over four years for prostitution charges

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to over four years in prison for prostitution-related charges stemming from drug-fueled sex performances

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to over four years in prison for prostitution-related charges stemming from drug-fueled sex performances

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In Short:
– Sean Combs sentenced to 50 months in prison for prostitution-related charges involving male escorts.
– Combs expressed remorse and plans to appeal the sentence, citing parental plea for leniency.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to over four years in prison following his conviction for prostitution-related charges.
The sentence of 50 months was handed down by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court. Combs, aged 55, was found guilty after a jury determined he arranged for male escorts to travel across state lines for drug-fueled sexual performances with his girlfriends.Banner

Combs faced a maximum of 20 years but was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering, that could have led to a life sentence.

The allegations included claims that he coerced his girlfriends into participating in these encounters through threats and violence. Combs, who has been incarcerated since his 2024 arrest, is expected to appeal.

Emotional Statements

During the sentencing, Combs expressed remorse and stated he had learned his lesson. He acknowledged past abuses but maintained that the performances were consensual. His legal team argued for a reduced sentence of 14 months, citing his prior time served, while prosecutors advocated for a more extended sentence, highlighting the seriousness of the abuse.

Combs’ children also spoke during the proceedings, requesting leniency from the judge, stating that he had improved since his arrest. They pleaded for their father’s presence in their lives, with his daughter emotionally addressing the court.

The case has drawn significant media attention, marking Combs as a prominent figure facing serious charges in the entertainment industry.


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Hamas agrees to hostages release under peace conditions

Hamas agrees to release Gaza hostages contingent on peace agreement, as Trump urges Israel to halt bombings during negotiations

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Hamas agrees to release Gaza hostages contingent on peace agreement, as Trump urges Israel to halt bombings during negotiations

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In Short:
– Hamas is willing to release hostages but needs clarity on Trump’s peace plan.
– Negotiations continue, with Hamas requesting changes to disarmament and Israeli withdrawal terms.

Hamas has indicated a willingness to release the remaining hostages in Gaza, contingent on conditions linked to a broader peace agreement. The group’s response to mediators did not provide clarity on many aspects of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan.Hamas expressed gratitude for Trump’s peace efforts but sought specifics on issues like the timeline for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and assurances regarding the cessation of hostilities.

Trump welcomed the dialogue, urging Israel to pause its military actions while negotiations progress, which may exceed the Sunday deadline he set for a deal.

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The group has agreed to release all prisoners associated with the occupation as part of Trump’s exchange proposal. However, Hamas maintains that discussions on Gaza’s future and the rights of the Palestinian populations require an inclusive Palestinian framework.

Reports suggest that 20 of the 48 hostages are still alive. Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk stated that the group needs further negotiations before committing fully to Trump’s plan and indicated that releasing the hostages in 72 hours is unrealistic.

Ongoing Negotiations

Trump’s peace initiative aims for the release of all hostages and proposes a transitional governance board for Gaza. While Hamas has shown some willingness to support the plan, it insists on modifications, particularly around disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Complexities within Hamas’s leadership further complicate consensus on the deal, as previous U.S. attempts to persuade the group have faltered.


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