KYIV, Ukraine - Russia's defense chief alleged Sunday that Ukraine was preparing a "provocation" involving a radioactive device, a stark claim that was strongly rejected by U.S., British and Ukrainian officials amid soaring tensions as Moscow struggles to stem Ukrainian advances in the south.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made the allegations in phone calls with his counterparts from the United States, Britain, France and Turkey.

Russia's defense ministry said Shoigu voiced concern about "possible Ukrainian provocations involving a 'dirty bomb,'" a device that uses explosives to scatter radioactive waste. It doesn't have the devastating effect of a nuclear explosion, but could expose broad areas to radioactive contamination.

https://www.startribune.com/russias-defense-chief-warns-of-dirty-bomb-provocation/600218286/