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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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Judge grants request to pause Trump’s federal Jan. 6 case

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Special Counsel Jack Smith moves to vacate pretrial deadlines as DOJ weighs next steps after Trump’s Election Day victory.

U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan on Friday granted Special Counsel Jack Smith’s request to pause proceedings in former President Donald Trump’s federal Jan. 6 case.

The decision halts upcoming pretrial deadlines, allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) time to consider next steps after Trump’s recent electoral win.

Smith’s motion filed on Friday highlighted the unprecedented situation, noting, “as a result of the election,” the DOJ seeks to vacate remaining deadlines to “assess this unprecedented circumstance.”

Judge Chutkan agreed, instructing the prosecution to submit a status report on December 2 with its proposed course of action.

The request marks a pivotal step, likely steering toward a halt in prosecution, given the DOJ’s longstanding policy against prosecuting a sitting president.

Trump’s victory, making him the first convicted felon elected to the White House, has prompted DOJ officials to deliberate on how best to close Smith’s two federal cases against him.

Had Trump lost the race against Vice President Harris, the former president could have faced potential prison time.

However, this Election Day win likely shields him from criminal consequences while in office.

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How Donald Trump’s business policies will shape the U.S. economy

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Business leaders are closely monitoring the impact that President-elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming policies might have on the financial landscape.

In a resounding victory, Trump captured both the electoral and popular vote to become the 47th President of the United States.

Trump’s landslide victory is fueling discussions on how his administration’s potential policy changes could reshape tax and trade systems as well as influence global economies.

Vick Tipnes, the CEO of Blackstone medical services joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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Usha Vance to make history as the first Indian-American Second Lady

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President-elect Donald Trump is assembling his transition team in Florida alongside Vice President-elect J.D. Vance as they prepare for the upcoming administration.

This election ushers in significant milestones, including Usha Vance, who will be the first Indian American and Hindu to serve as Second Lady of the United States.

As the daughter of Indian immigrants, her presence marks a moment of cultural representation in American politics.

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance praised his wife’s unwavering support, attributing her strength as a key factor in their successful campaign.

This new chapter signals a blend of continuity and change in the White House, promising a term marked by historical firsts and renewed policy efforts.

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