Russian propagandists claim that Ukraine may resort to provocation using a “dirty bomb” against Russia. However, such statements are part of Russia's systematic nuclear blackmail aimed at discrediting Ukraine and are false. Russia's statements about the so-called “dirty bomb” serve as a cover for its own actions that pose a threat to international nuclear security. This is what the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security writes.

Russia itself has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons, occupied the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, and is raising concerns about possible incidents at the Zaporizhzhia and Kursk nuclear power plants. Russian troops have also been moving tactical nuclear weapons into Belarus and conducting exercises using their nuclear arsenal, causing concern in the international community.

Such fakes are aimed not only at discrediting the Ukrainian leadership, but also at diverting attention from Russia's own crimes in the nuclear arena. Statements about the possibility of Ukraine using nuclear weapons are targeted propaganda aimed at undermining international trust in Ukraine and justifying further nuclear escalation by Russia.

Russian sources are once again spreading information that Ukraine is preparing to make a dirty nuclear bomb. Nuclear waste from nuclear power plants is used to create it. After all, as the propagandists write, this waste can allegedly be used not only for detonation, but also for contaminating the area for tens of kilometers.

However, information that Ukraine can create nuclear weapons from waste from nuclear power plants is unfounded. This is reported by journalists from the StopFake project.

In 1994, Ukraine joined the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. These actions confirmed that Ukraine is the owner of all nuclear weapons that it inherited from the USSR and intends to get rid of them completely, using atomic energy in the future only for civilian purposes. Already in 1996, Ukraine renounced nuclear weapons and has not developed the corresponding technologies since then. Today, Ukraine has neither the ability to create such a type of weapon, nor the desire to violate the preliminary agreements.

Polina Sinovets, head of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Center, said in a commentary for BBC Ukraine that “we do not enrich uranium to obtain a high content of the 235U isotope, which is necessary for creating uranium nuclear weapons”. Nuclear weapons can also be created by enriching plutonium in nuclear reactors, which is not practiced in Ukraine. “We do not enrich uranium - this is the main thing, and we do not process nuclear fuel to obtain plutonium - that is, there are no opportunities for either the uranium or plutonium paths of developing nuclear weapons”, Polina Sinovets concluded.

After all, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi recently denied information about Ukraine's intentions to restore its nuclear arsenal, noting the importance of NATO membership as the main guarantee of security. Also, the creation of such weapons cannot go unnoticed. Thus, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors the nuclear programs of states and constantly monitors the situation in Ukraine. At the same time, earlier NNEGC Energoatom stated that it was Russia that could prepare an act of nuclear terrorism at the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP, violating all possible safety rules.

The narrative about the creation of a dirty nuclear bomb in Ukraine is one of the most widespread. Russian propaganda uses it to discredit Ukraine and justify Russian full-scale aggression.

Pro-Russian sources are distributing a photo of what appears to be the cover of the Scottish newspaper The National with the headline “Zelenskyi provokes nuclear crisis” on the front page. The newspaper also asks: “Why does Zelenskyi's victory plan pose a threat to the world's nuclear security?”

In fact, The National did not publish such material, and the newspaper's cover was edited. This is written about in the StopFake project. In its official account on the X social network, the publication published what the issue of The National for October 18, 2024 looked like. The front page did not contain any news about Volodymyr Zelenskyi or Ukraine in general. It was about the ceremonial farewell to former Scottish Prime Minister Alex Salmond, who died of a heart attack on October 12, 2024.

Russians have been speculating on the topic of nuclear weapons since the publication of the Victory Plan by Volodymyr Zelenskyi and his statement that the guarantee of security for Ukraine could be either nuclear weapons (which the state renounced in 1996) or NATO membership. Despite the fact that the president clarified that Ukraine is not developing and does not plan to restore nuclear weapons, Putin has already managed to accuse Ukraine of provocations. However, it is Russia that regularly uses nuclear blackmail as an instrument of foreign policy.

Previously, we analyzed the Russian message that Ukraine was trying to provoke Russia into a nuclear strike.

Russian diplomats have stated in the media that Russia may resume nuclear testing if the United States carries out similar actions. They also note that the Nova Zemlia test site is fully prepared for such tests. By “similar actions” they mean American nuclear tests, although their statement was made in the context of a discussion of Russia's possible response to Western long-range weapons strikes on Russian territory.

Russia systematically uses nuclear blackmail as a tool to intimidate the West. This is noted by the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council. The statement about the possible resumption of nuclear tests creates an atmosphere of tension and tries to influence the decision of Western countries to continue supporting Ukraine. The statement about readiness for testing is positioned as a response to hypothetical actions by the United States, which allows the Kremlin to justify its aggressive actions and create the impression that Russia is acting defensively, not aggressively.

Threats of nuclear escalation are intended to deter the West from further arms sales to Ukraine, especially long-range weapons capable of striking Russian territory. Moscow seeks to insure itself against such strikes while at the same time frightening Ukraine’s partners into abandoning such decisions. Domestically, such statements reinforce the image of a “strong Russia” capable of confronting the West and acting from a position of strength. They also help legitimize further military action and justify an aggressive foreign policy.

The Kremlin regularly threatens the world with its nuclear arsenal. This time, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Riabkov said that Russia does not rule out the possibility of resuming nuclear tests “in response to similar actions by the United States”. He explained that "similar actions" meant nuclear tests by the United States, but this statement was made during a discussion about Russia's response to possible Western long-range weapons strikes on its territory.

The Russian diplomat also noted that all the infrastructure necessary for nuclear testing appears to be in full readiness at the testing site on the Nova Zemlia archipelago (Russia).

The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasizes that in this way Riabkov is trying to manipulate public opinion and justify another act of nuclear blackmail, positioning it as “retaliatory actions”. By signaling its readiness for nuclear escalation, Moscow is seeking to demonstrate its strength and intimidate Ukraine’s Western partners so that they abandon the idea of granting permission to strike Russian territory with their weapons. It should be noted that the Russian diplomat made the statement against the backdrop of information appearing in the media about the explosion of the Sarmat intercontinental missile during tests.

Russian propagandists use threats of nuclear weapons in response to any strikes on Russian territory to intimidate the West and deter military support for Ukraine. They call for changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine to legitimize the use of nuclear weapons even against non-nuclear attacks, increasing the rhetoric of escalation and attempting to deflect responsibility for the continuation of the war.

However, the main goal of such statements is to force the West and its allies to limit support for Ukraine and complicate the transfer of weapons, including long-range missiles. Russia is trying to create the impression that any strikes on its territory could lead to a global catastrophe due to the use of nuclear weapons, which in turn should demoralize not only Ukraine, but also the international community.

However, Russia's use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear strikes is contrary to international norms. Such statements also indicate that Moscow seeks to avoid discussing its responsibility for the aggression against Ukraine and the course of the war, trying to justify aggressive actions and threats to global security.

A “news story” has been spreading on social media, purporting to show British MP Andrew Bridgen claiming that NATO is planning to carry out a false flag attack on a European city using a nuclear “dirty bomb” and blame it on Russia.

But fact-checkers at VoxCheck reported that Andrew Bridgen provides no evidence for his thesis. Moreover, he has repeatedly spread conspiracy theories.

A reverse search was used to find an interview, an excerpt from which was distributed by propagandists. It was published on June 20, 2024, on the YouTube channel Resistance GB. The Guardian journalists found out that this channel spreads conspiracy theories, in particular, anti-vaccination narratives.

Mr. Bridgen did not provide any evidence, names of experts, details, etc., by which this information could be verified. The statement about a “NATO plan to detonate a bomb” has already been invented in Russian channels. In his messages in X, Bridgen also promotes pro-Russian narratives, in particular calling the transfer of military aid to Ukraine an “escalation”.

Russia is speculating on the use of a “dirty bomb” to sow distrust in Ukraine and force the world to spend resources on refuting the accusations of propagandists. An IAEA commission came to Ukraine to check whether a “dirty bomb” was really being developed at the sites that Russia claimed to be developing – the Eastern Mining and Processing Plant in Zhovti Vody and the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The result of the inspection was that the Agency did not find any signs of such a weapon at Ukrainian nuclear sites.

The fake news about Ukraine creating a “dirty bomb” is a mirror response from Russia, the purpose of which is to try to convince the world that it is Ukraine that is acting as a terrorist group. This, by the way, is one of the most common messages of Russian propaganda, constantly trying to accuse Ukraine of terrorism, saying that it itself is shelling Ukrainian civilians and launching missile strikes on its own critical infrastructure.

Read more on “Dirty Bomb”: What is it and why did Russia come up with this fake?

Propagandists are actively disseminating on anonymous telegram channels the statement of the self-proclaimed dictator of Belarus Oleksandr Lukashenko that the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ attack on the Kursk region is allegedly an attempt by Kyiv to provoke Russia into using nuclear weapons. According to Lukashenko, such actions could lead to Moscow losing its international allies, which allegedly puts Russia in a dangerous position.

Specialists from the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security drew attention to this. They emphasize that Lukashenko has long been a staunch ally of Russian propaganda, and his statements regarding nuclear escalation are a reflection of Kremlin rhetoric. The Kremlin constantly stokes the fear of nuclear war in order to keep the world on edge and influence the decisions of the international community.

Russia, which seized the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and turned it into a military base, accuses Ukraine of “provocations” aimed at forcing Russia to use nuclear weapons. Such statements are intended to divert attention from the real threat posed by Russian aggression and its nuclear blackmail.

The Kremlin's tactics are aimed at sowing fear and confusion among the population of Ukraine and its international partners in order to weaken their resolve in resisting Russian aggression. Russia continues to use nuclear blackmail as a tool of political pressure in an attempt to force the world to capitulate to its demands.

Propagandists on anonymous telegram channels are disseminating information about a new Ukrainian counteroffensive, which was allegedly developed by the Ukrainian high command. It allegedly includes an attack on Enerhodar in order to gain control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. They say that Ukraine is ready to risk a nuclear disaster in order to save its energy system.

The purpose of this message is to create panic and fear among the population and the international community, linking possible actions of Ukraine with the threat of a nuclear disaster. Let's take a closer look at its manipulative elements and the goals of the propagandists. Propagandists want to make people believe that it is the actions of Ukraine, not Russia, that can lead to a nuclear disaster. They say that it is ready to risk global security to achieve its goals. Propagandists try to create an impression of authenticity by using “insider information” language. However, most often they use such words to hide their lack of any reliable sources confirming what they want.

Russia often uses nuclear threats as a tool to intimidate and influence the international community. Propaganda is actively using the topic of nuclear security to force the international community and Ukraine to make concessions and compromises in favor of Russia by creating fear of a nuclear disaster. And also to divert attention from Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine. In general, Russian propaganda creates controversial or sensational messages to influence the ability of those in their audience to distinguish truth from lies.

Pro-Russian telegram channels are promoting the message that the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and the head of the Office of the President Andrii Yermak allegedly do not intend to end the Russian-Ukrainian war, because then they will lose power and influence. Therefore, according to propagandists, Kyiv is preparing a provocation to incite the Kremlin to a powerful response, preferably with the use of tactical nuclear weapons.

By spreading this information, Russia seeks to shift responsibility for the war and the death of Ukrainians onto the Ukrainian authorities. In this case, the Russians resort to “scapegoat” propaganda tactics, abdicating responsibility for a possible nuclear strike and shifting it onto Zelenskyi and Yermak. However, the main reason for the continuation of the war is Russia, in particular, its aggressive policy towards Ukraine and its unwillingness to engage in fair and conscientious negotiations.

Also, citing a recent article by The New York Times about a supposedly possible secret military operation in Ukraine, propagandists claim that the Western press is taking the United States “out of the negative case of supporting terrorism”. According to the article, after the Kremlin warned the Pentagon about a “provocation from Ukraine”, the Americans contacted Kyiv and told it not to do anything like that.

By making statements about Ukrainian terrorism, Russia is diverting attention from its own terrorist acts on Ukrainian territory. Thus, the Kremlin makes similar accusations to those brought against itself. In addition, in this case, propagandists are feeding Russian narratives that “Ukraine is a puppet state” and is led by “overseas masters”.

Let us recall that Russia regularly makes accusations against Ukraine regarding preparations for the use of chemical weapons, or a “dirty” nuclear bomb.

Propagandists have again begun to spread information about the “nuclear threat” from Ukraine. This time they are using a statement by Ihor Kyrylov, the head of the Russian radiation, chemical and biological defense forces. He stated that spent nuclear fuel is allegedly being imported into Ukraine, from which it is planned to later create a nuclear weapon (“dirty bomb”). They say that this process is being handled by the head of the Presidential Office, AndriI Yermak. However, this is fake.

Specialists from the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine wrote about this. They noted that such accusations against Ukraine are unfounded. “Dirty bomb” is more of a journalistic cliche. Such weapons have never been used and, in fact, they are not classified as nuclear. Ultimately, in 2022, as a result of Russian claims about the production of a “dirty bomb”, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arranged inspections of Ukrainian facilities, denying the Russian claims.

To spread this fake news, the Russians are resorting to whataboutism tactics with the intention of distracting attention from the Russian nuclear threat. While Ukraine demands that Russia be recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism, Russia is trying to accuse Ukraine of terrorism.

Spreading fake news about a “dirty bomb” to create distrust and fear of Ukraine. Thus, they are trying to convince the world that Ukraine is supposedly a threat to it and justify Russian aggression.

Defense Minister of the Lukashenko regime Viktor Khrienin announced the participation of Russian troops in the second stage of trainig using non-strategic nuclear weapons. He expressed concern about “aggressive actions” from the West and said that Belarus is ready, together with Russia, to respond to these “threats”“.

Specialists from the Center for Countering Disinformation drew attention to the message. They note that permission to use Western weapons on Russian territory showed that Moscow’s nuclear blackmail did not work. The continuation of hysteria on the part of the Kremlin indicates that Russia has no other plan.

For its part, Belarus plays along with Moscow’s desires in order to obtain preferences in response to efforts to destabilize the situation in Europe. This applies not only to nuclear threats, but also to the artificially created migration crisis and participation in the information war against Ukraine. Russia is trying to up the ante in intimidating Europe by enlisting Belarus for nuclear blackmail.

This statement is part of a Russian nuclear blackmail campaign aimed at causing panic among Ukraine's partners and influencing the decision to support our state.

Propaganda telegram channels write that the West, together with Kyiv, are allegedly trying to shift the blame for dangerous incidents at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to Russia. And that in this way they only confirm their involvement in these provocations.

In fact, this information is not true. This was reported by the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security at the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine. The Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, Serhii Kyslytsia, at a meeting of the Security Council rejected accusations from Russia that Ukraine could cause a nuclear disaster: “Someone believes that a country that is still recovering from a major nuclear disaster would like a repeat of Chernobyl in 1986? This is an idea that could only have occurred to Kremlin propagandists, because only Kremlin propagandists openly dream of radioactive dust replacing Ukrainian cities”.

In addition, according to the chairman deputy of the Board of National Atomic Power Generating Company Energoatom Petro Kotin, due to the incompetence of the personnel recruited by the occupiers, the necessary repairs and inspections are not carried out in full at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. In particular, this is why equipment failures are recorded, which significantly worsens the safety situation.

Accusing the Russians of Ukraine’s alleged involvement in the shelling of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and promoting this disinformation at the level of the UN and the Russian Foreign Ministry is part of the Kremlin’s nuclear terrorism. At the same time, in this way propagandists discredit Ukraine and throw another “argument” into the information space to justify aggression, which sounds like “protection from terrorism on the part of Ukraine”. Read more about how Russia blurs reality by resorting to rhetoric about the “Ukrainian trace” in various troubles in Russia or even the world here.

Russian telegram channels are disseminating a report from the HJS analytical center, which allegedly indicates the fact that Kyiv has insufficient control over dangerous radioactive materials. However, this is manipulation.

Specialists from the VoxCheck project drew attention to it. They found out that the report analyzes the nuclear security situation in Ukraine against Russian missile strikes. The authors do not indicate that Kyiv does not sufficiently control radioactive materials. In contrast, the report notes that the main threat to radiation safety comes from Russian attacks on nuclear facilities in Ukraine, which poses serious threats to NATO countries, including the UK.

The study makes recommendations to the UK and other NATO countries on the situation, such as using diplomatic and political means to reduce the nuclear threat, supporting the IAEA to create a “nuclear safety zone” around Ukrainian nuclear power plants and deploying radiation detection instruments. It is noted that the UK and NATO should initiate the development of an international legal instrument for the security of nuclear facilities during armed conflicts.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) did not reveal any violations during its inspections of nuclear facilities controlled by Ukraine. Moreover, the IAEA Board of Governors approved a resolution on the need to return the Zaporizhzhia NPP to full control of Ukraine.

Propagandists spread such manipulations in order to discredit Ukraine and divert attention from Russia's actions. Detector Media has already written about other Russian manipulations concerning the IAEA.

Russian propagandists are spreading information in the media that Ukraine is conducting nuclear tests. They claim that the earthquake in the Poltava region, recorded in early March 2024, is allegedly evidence of an “underground nuclear explosion” from Ukraine. They say this may be an attempt by Ukraine to hint to the world that it has nuclear weapons and is ready to use them. However, this is not true.

Specialists from the StopFake project drew attention to this. They emphasize that Ukraine is a nuclear-free country and does not intend to conduct nuclear tests. Earthquakes in this region are a natural phenomenon and are not associated with nuclear explosions.

Russian officials began spreading disinformation as early as 2022 claiming that Ukraine was planning to use a dirty bomb. However, these statements are not confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has never expressed any intention to acquire, or worse, create, nuclear weapons. In addition to the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine has obligations under a number of other documents - both national and international. On October 24, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a statement on the country’s nuclear-free status. Three years later, Ukraine actually joined the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It is this document, and not the Budapest Memorandum, that obliges Ukraine not to own nuclear weapons.

Russian political scientist Serhii Karhanov, who previously proposed a “pre-emptive retaliation strike” against one of the NATO countries, published an article in which he demands a change in Russian nuclear doctrine. According to Karhanov, if the downing of Russian planes and subsequent bombing of Russian cities continue, then, according to the new doctrine, powerful nuclear attacks should be carried out on EU countries. This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council.

Karhanov also proposes to abandon the nonproliferation doctrine and “help” “friendly countries” obtain nuclear weapons, in particular, the Arab world and Latin America. This should supposedly help Russia achieve victory in the war, which he considers the complete occupation of the eastern, southern and central regions of Ukraine.

Thus, Russian propaganda is trying to use the US election period to force the EU to reduce military aid to Ukraine and agree to peace negotiations on Putin’s terms.

Karhanov himself is considered an influential scientist and is a member of the scientific council of the Russian Security Council, but does not directly participate in decision-making. Moscow uses statements by Karhanov, as well as ex-President Dmytro Medvediev, solely to frighten the world with a “nuclear cataclysm”.

Read also: The EU flouts its principles because it supports providing Ukraine with depleted uranium weapons, but wants to impose sanctions on Belarus for nuclear weapons

On anonymous telegram channels broadcasting pro-Kremlin rhetoric, they write that Zelenskyi plans to purchase uranium from Niger for the manufacture of nuclear weapons. The authors of the fake explain that the purchase contract seemed to have been signed in November 2023 by the current Minister of Defense Rustem Umierov. At the same time, they cite the African publication Sene News, where journalists quoted one of their military personnel to support this thesis. It is not true.

The fact-checkers at the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council wrote that there were no official statements from Ukraine about the so-called “purchase of nuclear weapons”. And Rustem Umierov did not make any trips to Niger and did not sign such purchase contracts. That is, this is another stuffing of Russian propagandists who continue to replicate the Kremlin’s rhetoric about the use of “dirty weapons” against Russia including in order to justify unprovoked aggression and bloody war.

Read in our material why Moscow is implementing a disinformation campaign against Ukraine and why it lies about the use of nuclear weapons by Ukraine (and threatens nuclear bombing on its part).

Propagandists are disseminating information with reference to a publication in the British tabloid Daily Mail, allegedly Ukraine has the components to create a “dirty bomb”. They say that the UK began to view Ukraine as a potential threat to Europe due to the fact that Kyiv allegedly “sells weapons indiscriminately to whom and where” and as a result of which terrorists can illegally transport nuclear materials through Europe to the UK.

The story in question is a Daily Mail report titled “Radioactive substances could be smuggled out of Ukraine during invasion unrest and end up used in “dirty bombs” on UK streets unless border controls are tightened in NATO countries, warns nuclear energy expert” dated December 12, 2023. However, this is manipulation.

The StopFake specialists drew attention to it. They found that this time propagandists are manipulating Rachel Bunyan's Daily Mail article to once again portray Ukraine as a danger to the world. In fact, nowhere in the Daily Mail publication is it written that the Ukrainian authorities are somehow illegally selling components for “dirty bombs” to terrorists. On the contrary, the author points out that the danger is precisely the unlawful Russian attacks on Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

Dr. Ghiassi, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Fellowship think tank, noted in a commentary for the Daily Mail that Russia's takeover of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world, has resulted in regular shelling and power outages making it impossible to safely use the plant. According to the expert, the situation becomes even more dangerous due to the fact that more than 3,000 nuclear fuel cells containing highly radioactive substances and plutonium stored in metal containers at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are vulnerable to air attacks.

Dr Ghiassi, in a commentary for the Daily Mail, noted that air attacks on the nuclear plant and the damage they caused could “facilitate terrorists or proxy groups acting on behalf of hostile states to illegally obtain radioactive substances to create nuclear dirty bombs”. The expert believes that the insecurity of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant poses “serious threats to the security of Ukraine and countries beyond its borders, including the UK”. He calls on countries to strengthen controls at land and sea borders, in particular, to increase the number of radiation detectors at checkpoints.

Moreover, the publication reminds its readers that initially the full-scale invasion, Russia, without providing evidence, accused Ukraine of Kyiv possibly planning to use a “dirty bomb” in the war. Citing experts interviewed, the Daily Mail writes that “dirty bombs” are relatively primitive and inaccurate weapons that terrorists use “more as a psychological weapon” to intimidate people.

Russia's false claims about a “Ukrainian dirty bomb” and a “Ukrainian nuclear provocation” were refuted not only by the Ukrainian government, but also by international organizations, including the UN. In addition, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), following the results of an unscheduled inspection conducted at the request of Ukraine in November 2022, did not identify any signs of illegal activities at nuclear facilities controlled by Ukraine. The Kremlin propaganda has more than once used the topic of “dirty bombs” to discredit Ukraine in front of its Western partners.

Propagandists spreading pro-Russian rhetoric on social networks claim that Svitlana Tykhanovska allegedly promised to transfer Belarusian tactical nuclear weapons to Ukraine during her speech at PACE. However, this news is fictitious.

The fact-checkers of the VoxCheck project drew attention to the case. The primary source of the news is the satirical telegram channel “The Empire is very evil”. The description of the channel clearly states that its materials are a creative invention, and all coincidences are random.

Svitlana Tykhanovska has never made such statements. There are no reliable sources confirming this information. Her last speech at PACE in June 2023 did not contain such promises, like all her other public statements. Reputable Ukrainian and international media also did not record any reports regarding such statements from Tykhanovska.

Propagandists use satirical materials to ridicule those who express support for Ukraine and confuse the information space. All this is so that people stop understanding what is truth and what is fiction.

Russian media write that the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Budanov, in an October interview with NV, said that “Ukraine is bombing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant” and “wants to arrange a nuclear Armageddon” to blackmail the whole world. The material mentions attempts by the Ukrainian military to de-occupy territories and strategic objects illegally seized by the Russians, such as the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This is manipulation.

The case was investigated by the fact-checkers of the StopFake project. In the NV media material, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and his work colleagues shared details of some special military intelligence operations. The Ukrainian armed forces landed three times on the left bank of the Dnipro near Enerhodar to create a springboard for the de-occupation of the city and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Despite the fact that the operations were unsuccessful, that is, the desired result was not achieved, the Ukrainian military managed to at least thwart Russia’s plans to connect the Zaporizhzhia NPP to its energy system.

Representatives of Ukrainian intelligence did not make any “admissions” that Ukraine allegedly “bombed” the station. By trying to dislodge the occupiers, Ukraine is not committing a crime, but is using its legitimate right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Russia regularly creates crisis situations at Zaporizhzhia NPP, each of which carries the threat of a large-scale accident.

Previously, for example, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense denied Russian disinformation about Ukraine’s alleged plans to attack the Zaporizhzhia NPP with drones.

Russian media, broadcasting pro-Kremlin rhetoric, spread information that the head of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Kareshi, allegedly said that Ukraine threatens nuclear security in the world. Propaganda reports in its media that confirmation of the possible occurrence of a nuclear catastrophe is that Ukraine will be given F-16 fighter jets that can carry missiles with nuclear warheads. It is not true.

The case was investigated by the fact-checkers of the StopFake project. At the UN meeting dedicated to the International Day against Nuclear Tests, the head of the General Assembly Csaba Kareshii noted that Russia regularly threatens to use nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine. Russian propaganda did not translate some of the words about Russia, but added information about the “aggression of Ukraine” on its own behalf.

And the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Ms. Bonnie Denise Jenkins, said they “are concerned, however, by the disturbing nuclear rhetoric from the Russian Federation over the past year and a half – in particular, President Putin’s statement in February about Russia’s willingness to resume nuclear explosive testing”. None of the countries has accused Ukraine of the threat of a nuclear catastrophe, and the F-16s do not carry a nuclear threat.

Russian propagandists use the tactic of reflection - they attribute their actions to opponents. Russian propaganda accuses Ukraine of a nuclear threat, although it is a non-nuclear state, and Russia itself systematically uses nuclear blackmail. Earlier, Detector Media said that the Russians were spreading information that Ukraine was allegedly creating a “dirty nuclear bomb”.

Such a message is spread by anonymous telegrams, channels broadcasting pro-Kremlin rhetoric; and disseminate information that the Office of the President is working on the creation of a nuclear bomb. And the Russian propaganda media, citing the head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Serhii Naryshkin, write that Ukraine may have returned to creating a “dirty bomb”. It is not true.

Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Maliar said on the air of the United News marathon that the occupiers “used the entire arsenal of weapons, both military and informational. That is why the enemy is returning to the only tool of blackmail - nuclear weapons”. As Hanna Maliar notes, the Russians are trying to spread panic among Ukrainians, so they use the topic of nuclear weapons as an instrument of blackmail, pressure and intimidation.

In October 2022, Russian propagandists were already spreading the word that Ukraine was building a “dirty bomb”. Then Dmytro Kuleba tweeted: “Russia’s lies about Ukraine’s alleged plans to use a “dirty bomb” are as absurd as they are dangerous. First, Ukraine is a committed party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: we do not have any “dirty bombs” and do not plan to have them. Secondly, Russians often blame others for what they themselves plan”.

On November 16, 1994, Ukraine acceded to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This Treaty is sometimes interpreted as a system of three principles: non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, disarmament, and the right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Such information was disseminated in social networks, in particular, on telegram channels broadcasting pro-Kremlin rhetoric. Reports say that Ukraine is preparing a nuclear strike. The authors add that this is the response of the Ukrainians to the alleged murder of Kyryl Budanov by the Russians. It is not true. 

The fact-checkers of the StopFake project drew attention to the case, they found out that Ukraine is not preparing and cannot prepare a nuclear strike, since it does not carry out undeclared activities at nuclear facilities. This is also confirmed by the conclusions of the IAEA mission after visiting Ukraine. Checks of nuclear facilities are carried out systematically, the last of which was in May this year. According to the conclusions of the expert commission, no suspicious types of activity were recorded. As for the so-called “death” of the head of the GUR, Kyryl Budanov, we also recently refuted this fake. 

Thus, the propagandists seek to demoralize the Ukrainians and show them how supposedly “there is no one to protect them”. By spreading this fake, propagandists are trying to re-justify their actions and shift the responsibility for them to the victim. Allegedly, Russia is fighting against Ukraine, which wants to destroy Russia with “dirty bombs”.

Such information was disseminated in social networks, in particular, on telegram channels broadcasting pro-Kremlin rhetoric. Reports say that during an air raid on May 13 around 10:35 p.m., explosions were heard in a warehouse in Ternopil. The authors of the reports add that the Russians got into the train, where there is ammunition with uranium. That is, the fire was dangerous, because uranium can emit radiation. It is not true.

Espresso journalists spoke with the head of the Ternopil regional administration, Volodymyr Trush, who said that no ammunition was detonated during rocket attacks. In addition, there is no enriched or depleted uranium in Ternopil. Volodymyr Trush also confirmed that there is a stable ecological situation in Ternopil. He explained that in the conditions of war in the city, the level of radiation is measured twice a day. So, the indicators have not changed and do not exceed the norm. That is, the city is clean and there is no danger.

By spreading this fake, the authors seek to destabilize the mood of Ukrainians and once again intimidate them with “nuclear bombing” of Russia. Let us remind you that earlier analysts of Detector Media also analyzed the case related to “nuclear weapons” in Ukraine. We analyzed the message where the propagandists claimed that the Ukrainian military was using banned weapons with a high content of uranium.

Such information was disseminated in social networks, in particular, on telegram channels broadcasting pro-Kremlin rhetoric. After Finland joined NATO, Russia is reportedly transporting nuclear weapons to the border town of Vyborg. As proof, the authors attach a video and add that Topol-M or Yars nuclear installations are being transported to the video. It is not true.

The case was noticed by the VoxCheck project specialists, they determined that the video was filmed in the Volodymyr region. Using a reverse search, the fact-checkers also found out that the video was filmed in the city of Kolchugino, located near Moscow. That is, this video could not be filmed near the border with Finland. Analysts just found a video of the transport of nuclear weapons through Kolchugino dated February 26, 2022. And propagandists could use this video to allegedly confirm the transport of nuclear weapons to the city of Vyborg.

Previously, analysts of Detector Media investigated how anonymous telegram channels reacted to Finland's entry into NATO.

Verified Twitter accounts are spreading misinformation about an imminent nuclear strike on Kyiv. 

This was told by the journalists of the Vice edition. They explained that after the explosion over the Kremlin, the so-called official Twitter accounts began to spread misinformation about the nuclear attack on Kyiv.

For example, a pseudo-verified account called DEFCONWarningSystem posted a post explaining that “we are currently evaluating rumors of nuclear movements in Russia”. Although this account has nothing to do with the real official agency.

After that, Twitter did not remove the verified checkmark in the account. If one clicks on the checkmark, the following message will pop up: “The account is not associated with any government agency and does not represent the alarm status of any military unit. Users should draw their own conclusions and not rely on account information”.

At the same time, this account also spreads apocalyptic information about Christian movements. That is, this account invents conspiracy theories. It has been verified by Twitter.

Another twitter “verified” account said that the authors had heard about the movement of nuclear bombers, and assured that these reports were “grossly unconfirmed”.

Although these accounts are unofficial, someone could write on their behalf. There was no confirmed information about the so-called nuclear strike on Kyiv. The authors of the channels began to talk about the so-called rumors, which also did not exist.

On April 6, a video began to be distributed in the Georgian segment of Facebook, which recorded the movement of the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system. According to the description, mobile nuclear installations appeared in the border town of Vyborg after Finland joined NATO. It's fake.

Myth Detector specialists drew attention to the case. The video went viral on Twitter, where several accounts were able to determine the location of the vehicle using geolocation. Comparing the location on the video with a Google map, it was determined that the video of the equipment was filmed in the city of Kolchugino, Volodymyr region, not far from Moscow, and not in the city of Vyborg near the border with Finland. The Myth Detector also turned to weapons specialist Gigi Inaishvili. According to him, the range of the RS-24 Yars missile system is up to 12,000 km, “the system is not intended for nearby countries, and the complexes shown in the video were probably preparing for the May 9 parade”.

The distribution of the video, which recorded the movement of equipment allegedly to the border with Finland, was for intimidation. Earlier, Dmytro Polianskyi, first deputy permanent representative of Russia to the UN, noted that “If NATO units appear in these territories [Sweden and Finland], these territories will become a target or a possible target for a strike”.  Detector Media has already investigated what anonymous telegram channels wrote about Finland's accession to NATO and how Putin accused NATO of “breaking” the promise not to expand to the East.

This thesis appeared in the Russian propaganda media. Like, a projectile made of depleted uranium does not emit radiation, but is very toxic, because its dust can get into the human respiratory tract. This is what, according to Russian propaganda, is a “dirty” nuclear bomb, the use of which Russian propagandists wrote about in the spring of 2022.

Analysts of the EU vs Disinfo project drew attention to the case. Analysts say this message is part of a Kremlin disinformation campaign that is bringing fear of the use of nuclear weapons. Thus, Russia seeks to expose Ukraine as a threat. Allegedly, it is precisely because of Ukraine and the use of shells with depleted uranium that it will cause irreparable consequences. This is how propaganda transfers responsibility for what it does in Ukraine. They say that Ukraine itself is an aggressor.

However, depleted uranium projectiles are not considered nuclear weapons and even so-called dirty ones.

“They are not designed to poison people. They are used because of their ability to penetrate armor”, says Dr. Maryna Miron from King's College London.

Depleted uranium has a greater density than ordinary steel: about 2.5 times and about 1.5 times denser than lead. This is what allows the tank projectile to gain more momentum and more effectively penetrate armor.

A network of telegram channels supervised by Russian intelligence began to spread the message that in response to the supply of heavy weapons to Ukraine, Russia could use nuclear weapons. It seems that British intelligence warned Ukraine about this.

Threats of nuclear weapons have been one of the most widespread messages of Russian propaganda since the beginning of the war. Back in April, propaganda was spreading this message, but then the reason was the “use of nuclear weapons by Russia” due to the fact that Ukraine should recognize Crimea and Donbas as Russian. If it refuses, Russia “retains the right” to use weapons.

Another wave of discussions about the “use of nuclear weapons” occurred in September, when, against the backdrop of the defeat of the Russian army near Kharkiv and the liberation of the Kharkiv region by the Ukrainian army, Putin announced the start of mobilization. Then and later, he stated that he “does not bluff about the use of nuclear weapons” if hostilities begin on the “territories of the Russian Federation”. Following these statements, Russia annexed parts of the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. And every day there is fighting on these territories. The Ukrainian army has since liberated a significant part of the Kherson region, along with Kherson, as well as settlements in other regions, but the Russians did not use nuclear weapons. Now the propaganda is back to the “use of nuclear weapons” thesis because of the actions of the West, which finally decided to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons.

Pro-Russian telegram channels write about this with reference to Zaporizhzhia collaborator Volodymyr Rohov. Rohov in his telegram channel writes that allegedly the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi does not consider it necessary to demilitarize the Zaporizhzhia NPP. They say that we are talking exclusively about a ceasefire on both sides in the area of ​​the nuclear power plant, but not about the withdrawal of the Russian military contingent from the territory of the nuclear power plant. This is not true.

In fact, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, said that the withdrawal of Russian weapons from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant would be part of the Agency's agreement with Ukraine and Russia. According to him, the parties agreed not to shoot either at the object or from the object. But these agreements are preliminary, they will still be specified.

Such a message is spread by pro-Russian telegram channels. Like, Ukraine cannot shoot down Russian missiles, therefore, “in plain text” calls on the world to use nuclear weapons.

The propagandists used the words taken out of context of the speaker of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yurii Ihnat to promote the message. Ihnat said that the Ukrainian air defense system is depleted. In particular, the means that are primarily supposed to protect against aviation have to shoot down not only missiles, but also kamikaze drones. According to the speaker, Ukraine should continue to ask for all possible funds from the international community. However, we are talking about replenishing the air defense system, and not about using nuclear weapons.

Anonymous telegram channels write about this. Like, planning the construction of new NPP units, taking into account military threats, is ridiculous. Allegedly, only Ukrainians around the world dared to deliberately shell nuclear power plants. Like, there are no other “suicidal people” anymore.

The propagandists are manipulating the words of Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko. He spoke about the prospects for the development of nuclear energy in Ukraine and noted that the seizures and systematic shelling of ZNPP by the Russians drew attention to the need to improve the safety system at nuclear power plants. Russian propaganda uses ridicule tactics to discredit Ukrainian officials and cover up the crimes of the Russian army.

Such information is disseminated by Russian propaganda media. It is also being shared on social media, in particular, in anonymous telegram channels. Reports say that the Resolution adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency is allegedly "unprofessional", "politicized" and "inappropriate". Also, the Russian media called the Resolution, which refers to the problems at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP), which is still occupied by Russia, inadequate and allegedly “giving Kyiv the right to shell” the ZNPP. However, this is fake.

Russian media and pro-Russian telegram channels write about this. They say that the “real” goal of the Ukrainian authorities is not to obtain electricity, but to terrorise and create a “dirty bomb”. Also, allegedly Ukraine will be used for the disposal of nuclear waste. It is not like that.

Ukraine, the US, Japan and South Korea will cooperate to build a small nuclear reactor. This became known on November 12. This will help Ukraine improve the country's energy security. It will take two years to complete the project.

According to StopFake, small nuclear reactors are used to generate electricity. They have nothing to do with nuclear weapons. Most of these small reactors are installed underground, which is also an advantage in the face of possible rocket attacks.

 Such information appeared in the pro-Kremlin media. Messages began to spread after Volodymyr Putin in his "Valdai speech" said that Ukraine was creating a "dirty bomb" and Russia even knew "roughly where this is being done". Propagandists claim that Kyiv, on the basis of the projectile of the Tochka-U missile system, made a dummy of the Iskander missile for a provocation with a dirty bomb over the exclusion zone of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Like, the layout was made by Pivdenmash specialists, and the main cassette part of the dummy is pushed with radioactive material, and then shot down in the Chernobyl area in order to shock the world and accuse Russia of using nuclear weapons. However, this is not true. According to The Insider's fact-checkers, the so-called mock-up shown by the Russian media is fake. “Despite the similar outlines, Tochka-U and Iskander missiles have different sizes. The diameter of the Iskander is 920 mm, and the Tochka-U is 650 mm, almost one and a half times smaller. It is impossible to create a model of the Iskander based on Tochka-U, except perhaps a smaller copy, which is unlikely to convince international experts. And the scenario in which a rocket allegedly launched by Russian troops with a radioactive filling explodes over the Chornobyl exclusion zone, that is, a practically deserted territory where the harm done to Ukraine will be minimal, does not look very plausible,” the fact checkers write. This is not the first time Russia has claimed that Ukraine is going to use a dirty nuclear bomb to blame Russia for it. Read more about this in the text of Hala Skliarevska.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia published photos on Twitter, which allegedly prove Ukraine's preparation of a "dirty bomb." They show transparent packages of radioactive material with the inscription "radioactive." It is a fake. The Slovenian government on Twitter denied the information from the Russian Foreign Ministry. These plastic bags' photos belong to the Slovenian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARAO). The warning label on the package is also in Slovenian. The photo was taken in 2010.

According to the Slovenian agency, this image was used as an illustration in specialist lectures and information materials that were available to the general public.

Slovenia has emphasized at the official level that the radioactive waste is stored safely, is under control, and hasn't been used to make "dirty bombs."

October 23, the Russian media once again began spreading the message that the Ukrainian authorities are allegedly preparing to detonate a "dirty bomb" or a low-power nuclear weapon on the territory of Ukraine.

The "dirty bomb" is allegedly manufactured under the direction of Western curators, the Eastern Mining and Processing Plant, located in Zhovti Vody, Dnipropetrovsk Region, and the Kyiv Institute of Nuclear Research are involved.

If the provocation is successful, Ukraine allegedly plans to accuse Russia of using weapons of mass destruction to launch a powerful anti-Russian campaign in the world, aimed at undermining the trust in Moscow of many of its key partners. At the same time, the West will again try to raise the issue of depriving Russia of its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Russia spread messages about producing a "dirty" bomb in Ukraine even before a full-scale war. Although each time, this thesis attracted new "goals." Initially, the Ukrainian "dirty" bomb was one of the reasons why the Russian army launched a full-scale invasion. Subsequently, propagandists assured that in this way, the West is resorting to "nuclear blackmail"; therefore, Russia is forced to defend itself. The "third party" provokes Russia into a nuclear conflict. This time, Russian propaganda reduced the level of intimidation, and now the "dirty bomb" is the reason for the rise of anti-Russian rhetoric worldwide. However, such rhetoric was successfully formed precisely when, on February 24, Russia launched a massive missile attack on the whole of Ukraine for the first time. Since then, the Russians have been committing atrocities on the territory of Ukraine every day to turn as many countries as possible away from them and intensify the anti-Russian campaign.

Pro-Russian bloggers and Telegram channels spread this thesis. Reports claim that Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on NATO countries to launch a pre-emptive strike against Russia before it uses nuclear weapons against Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy didn't actually call on NATO to use nuclear weapons.

According to the EU vs Disinfo project analysts, the claim that President Zelensky called for pre-emptive nuclear strikes on Russia is fake and arose from a misinterpretation of a translated interview. As analysts write, in fact, neither the US nor the EU is interested in a nuclear scenario in Ukraine. Any nuclear explosion can have unpredictable consequences for the whole world. Nuclear fallout from the explosion at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in April 1986 also reached the United States, although its concentration was lower than in Europe.

Instead, Russia constantly hints at the possibility of using nuclear weapons in a war against Ukraine. Ukraine's counterattack at returning its territories gave rise to a new wave of nuclear blackmail on the part of Russia. It is Russia that is trying to keep the international community in tension with contradictory statements about the use of nuclear weapons.

Pro-Russian Telegram channels spread information that Kyiv schools will allegedly receive the drug potassium iodide, which will be given to children if a radiation accident happens. They also distribute a sample application that parents are allegedly asked to fill out to give consent to taking medication in the event of an emergency. However, it isn't true. The Kyiv City State Administration reported that the message was fake. The Department of Education and Science of the KCSA didn't issue any orders regarding collecting consent from parents for schoolchildren to take potassium iodide.

According to the fact-checkers of the VoxCheck project, potassium iodide was received by all district state administrations of Kyiv, which are responsible for the immediate planning and preparation for evacuation in their areas and will issue the drug to the population if necessary. The Health Department of the KCSA also has potassium iodide reserves. Moreover, the Ministry of Health reported that the state has purchased the required amount of potassium iodide and will issue the drug organically if a radiation accident happens. We emphasize that the medicine should be taken only after an official warning about the threat of radiation release because potassium iodide is effective under the following conditions: 6 or less hours before the arrival of the radioactive cloud; simultaneously with the arrival of the cloud; 6 hours after emission.

Russian propaganda continues nuclear blackmail and intimidates Ukrainians with its consequences. Earlier, propagandists accused Ukraine of "nuclear terrorism" and wrote that Ukraine is being "prepared" for a nuclear accident, which will be arranged by "third parties," but they will blame Russia for this.

Pro-Kremlin bloggers write about this in Telegram channels concerning EU High Representative Josep Borrell. In his statements, he confirmed that the EU countries wouldn't allegedly strike back in the same way if there was a nuclear attack on Ukraine. Therefore, according to propagandists, such words are the so-called permission for Russia to use nuclear weapons. Propagandists take quotes out of context and don't emphasize that; in fact, Josep Borrell said that the response of Ukraine's partners would destroy the Russian army if there were a nuclear attack.

"Any attack against Ukraine will find a response, not a nuclear response, but one so powerful that, from a military point of view, the Russian army will be annihilated, and Putin won't need to bluff," said Josep Borrell.

He emphasized that the European Union and its member states, the United States and NATO, don't bluff but are determined to "demonstrate full determination."

Since the beginning of the full-scale war against Ukraine, Russia has resorted to nuclear blackmail to stop international support for Ukraine and to induce Ukraine to negotiate on the Kremlin's terms. One of the functions of such messages is intimidation. If Russia's demands aren't met, Russia will allegedly strike. This time, the nuclear messages appeared against the background of defeats of the Russian army on the front lines. By spreading the message that Russia was allegedly allowed to carry out a nuclear attack on Ukraine, the propaganda seeks to discredit those countries and associations that support Ukraine in the fight against Russia. Propagandists create the appearance of so-called impunity for Russia, as if it can do whatever it wants with Ukraine without punishment.

Such a message intensified this week in Russian media and anonymous Telegram channels controlled by the Kremlin.

The process of negotiations with Great Britain allegedly regarding the transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine to deter Russia has failed. Because of this, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered to gather of all nuclear scientists in Ukraine as soon as possible to create a "dirty" nuclear bomb. Messages that Ukraine was "preparing" the so-called "dirty atomic bomb" were actively spreading on the eve of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

This was also indicated among the reasons for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Later, Russian propaganda spread the thesis that Kyiv was trying to turn the plant into a "dirty" nuclear bomb by shelling the Zaporizhzhia NPP, and that the US was allegedly interested in having a "dirty" bomb in Ukraine.

There was also an option that Ukrainian scientists were already working on the components of a "dirty" bomb directly near the Russian border. A "dirty bomb" is a type of "radiological dispersal device in which a conventional explosive, such as dynamite, is combined with radioactive material. Such bombs don`t release enough radiation to kill people or cause serious illness.

However, the explosion of such a bomb can cause fear and panic, pollute the space, and require expensive cleanup. Such bombs are considered to be weapons of terrorist groups rather than armies. "Ukraine doesn`t have nuclear weapons and doesn`t conduct any work on their creation/acquisition. We are a responsible member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on his Twitter account. The Center for Combating Disinformation drew attention to the fact that Ukraine has nowhere to get uranium, and plutonium was produced by the reactors of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant and such work has not been carried out for a quarter of a century, therefore statements about the creation of a "dirty nuclear bomb" have no basis.

At the same time, members of the National Commission for Radiation Protection of the Population of Ukraine, Anatoliy Nosovskyy and Viktor Dolin, reported in an interview with Science magazine that during the occupation of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant by Russian troops, a barbaric raid was carried out on the Ekocentr radiation monitoring laboratory, and it was looted. According to scientists, in the laboratory, the Russians could extract radioactive isotopes that were used to calibrate devices and the remains of radioactive waste. "These materials can be mixed with conventional explosives to form a 'dirty bomb' that spreads pollution over a large area," Nosovskyy said.

This information was spread by Russian publications concerning the American magazine Newsweek. Allegedly, the military doesn`t agree with US President Joe Biden on deterring Russia exclusively by non-nuclear means. He said that the American military believed that it would be necessary to "hit the Russians with a hammer" and prepare "a blow to kill Putin in the heart of the Kremlin."

Russian propagandists took the quotes out of context. In fact, the Newsweek article said that “Biden believes non-nuclear threats will stop Putin. His military doesn't think so." It refers to a disagreement over the role of American nuclear weapons and the most effective way to deter Vladimir Putin. The article points out that Washington "told the Russians at a very high level that there would be catastrophic consequences for Russia if they used nuclear weapons in Ukraine."

Moreover, their unprecedented threats are just a reaction to Putin's equally unprecedented speech about a nuclear strike. Russian propagandists spread the thesis that the USA is preparing a nuclear attack on Russia and the assassination of Putin to justify any decisions of Putin and the crimes of the Russian army on the territory of Ukraine, allegedly for protection. More details.

Pro-Russian Telegram channels write about it. He said that the very fact of a nuclear attack on Ukraine would be important, and they would not be able to figure out who would carry it out. Because of this, allegedly, the Ukrainian authorities issued a manual on the rules of behavior during a nuclear threat. Some anonymous Telegram channels are spreading rumors that the Americans will strike at the spent nuclear fuel storage in the Chornobyl zone.

Since February 24, Russia has systematically threatened Ukraine and the world with the use of nuclear weapons. At the beginning of a full-scale invasion, the Russians put the nuclear forces on special combat duty. During a speech on September 21, Putin again threatened the possibility of using nuclear weapons in the event of a "direct threat to Russian territory," saying that this was "not a bluff."

Considering the seriousness of the danger, the Ukrainian authorities developed appropriate recommendations for citizens, which agitprop immediately called "preparation for a nuclear accident."

Russian propaganda conducts informational terrorism to induce Ukraine to negotiate on the Kremlin's terms.

he Italian newspaper "La Repubblica" wrote about it, referring to the NATO intelligence report. The information was picked up by other foreign and some Ukrainian media. The Center for Combating Disinformation stated that it is not true.

According to the monitoring of the CPD:

As of October 3, 2022, such information has not been published on the NATO website.

NATO has regularly recorded the activity of Russian submarines since the Cold War. The Alliance made statements about the modernization of navigation systems and armament of Russian submarines as early as 2016. The Center emphasizes that such unsubstantiated statements by the media only increase Russia's information terrorism. Even Russian propagandists, who willingly spread the news about the training of strategic nuclear forces, this time cautiously quoted the newspaper "La Repubblica" and believe that the probability of the actual use of such weapons is quite small.

Such information is being disseminated by Russian propaganda media. It also appears in anonymous pro-Russian telegram channels. The reports say that the West is allegedly using "nuclear blackmail" against Russia and "some representatives of the leading NATO states speak out about the use of weapons of mass destruction against Russia".

In such messages, propagandists refer to the words of Russian President Volodymyr Putin. Putin, of course, really said this, but his statements have nothing to do with reality.

The fact-checker StopFake drew attention to the spread of fakes on the network. According to sources, in fact, neither the US, nor the EU, nor NATO has ever threatened Russia with the launch of nuclear warheads. At the same time, the threats were just from the Kremlin officials.

Even now, in the conditions of the war unleashed by Russia, the Kremlin not only directly declares the possibility of using nuclear warheads, but also uses the seized Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as an additional “nuclear leverage”. Over the past weeks, there have been many hints from Russia about the possible use of nuclear weapons. By spreading information about the so-called threats from the West, the Kremlin seeks to shift responsibility from itself.

Like, everything happens only because there was a direct threat to Russia. Transferring responsibility is not a new tactic for Russian propagandists. In particular, Russia has repeatedly stated that it attacked Ukraine for reasons of its own security, otherwise Ukraine would have done it first.

Such information is disseminated in the Russian media with reference to representatives of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian Security Council. Like, it is Washington that deliberately lowers the nuclear threshold, creating a threat to Russia's national security. And politicians in the West are frankly talking about the admissibility of using weapons of mass destruction against Russia.

Russian propagandists stepped up the manipulative justification in the international arena after Putin once again threatened Western countries with the use of nuclear weapons on September 21. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, Russians have been regularly spreading the thesis of "nuclear retaliation for NATO states." Thus, Russia refuses a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine and resorts to outright nuclear blackmail and intimidation of other countries with the use of nuclear weapons.

This thesis is spread by Russian propagandists. In their messages, they refer to the head of Rosatom, Lykhachov, who said that IAEA specialists understand who is really shelling the Zaporizhzhia NPP. They say that the experts of the organization who visited the Zaporizhzhia NPP know who exactly is shelling the plant, but the statements do not mention attacks on the Zaporizhzhia NPP allegedly by Ukrainians because of the political component.

In fact, the experts of the IAEA mission in the report do not mention shelling by Ukrainian troops because they do not consider Ukrainians to be guilty of the situation there. The Center for Counteracting Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council notes that the IAEA resolution, following the results of the mission at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, calls for “immediately stopping all actions against and in relation to the Zaporizhzhia NPP and any other nuclear facilities in Ukraine”.

The Ukrainian side has repeatedly recorded shelling from the Russian side. There is a proof of this, but there is no confirmation that the shelling came from Ukraine.

This message is spread by Russian propagandists. They say that the withdrawal of the Russian military from the territory of the station will allow Ukraine to bring its troops there and, under their weapons, implement repressions against the local population as well as take out spent nuclear fuel and from which create a nuclear bomb.

However, the Zaporizhzhia NPP occupies a leading place in the energy system of Ukraine, so control over it is needed not to create a bomb but to prevent a catastrophe. After all, the Russian military repeatedly shelled the territory of the ZNPP causing emergency conditions and disconnecting it from the power grid. Also, according to Enerhoatom, the plant personnel work in improper conditions, which increases the likelihood of an accident. In addition, control over the station will provide electricity to the entire south of the country.

Ukraine in the early 1990s voluntarily renounced its nuclear status (https://ms.detector.media/trendi/post/27933/2021-08-05-ukraina-mogla-zalyshyty-sobi-yadernu-zbroyu-i-shantazhuvaty-svit-pravda-chy-ni/.) The creation of a nuclear bomb is a lengthy and expensive process, and its beginning will spoil relations with Ukraine's partners among nuclear states. Ukraine is not a terrorist state, therefore it is not working on the creation of a nuclear bomb. Ukrainian officials have also commented on this more than once.

Russian media reports that IAEA observers should see that there is no Russian military equipment at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. StopFake writes about it. They refer to the words of Volodymyr Putin who announced this in Vladyvostok. The Russian dictator noted that these divisions of the National Guard of Russia "guard" the perimeter and territory of the station. This is manipulation.

The IAEA report notes just the opposite: that military equipment is present there. In particular, paragraph 39 of the report states: “The team observed the presence of Russian military personnel, vehicles and equipment at various sites of the ZNPP, including several military trucks on the first floor of block 1 and block 2 of the turbine hall, as well as military vehicles under the crossing connecting reactor room.

And the National Guard, according to Russian law, is a military organization. And in Ukraine, this structure fulfills military purposes, in fact, being an occupation structure.

Russian propagandists spread several theses about the visit of a mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the alleged plan of the Ukrainian authorities to take control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

First, the pro-Kremlin media noted that on September 01, at dawn, “an unsuccessful assault began.” Allegedly, Ukrainian saboteurs on seven boats and two self-propelled barges tried to disrupt the IAEA mission in Enerhodar, temporarily occupied by Russia. The Russians blocked their landing, the British-trained elite fighters were massacred and the barges were sunk.

According to another version of the Russian Ministry of Defense, specially selected and trained "media representatives" from Ukraine, the United States and Great Britain, in the presence of the IAEA mission, were supposed to inform the world community about the transfer of the station to the control of Kyiv. Therefore, all unauthorized persons, when trying to cross the demarcation line, along with the IAEA motorcade, stopped and were not allowed through.

And it did not happen without accusations of Ukraine in the shelling. They say that the Russian side ensured the arrival of more than 60 journalists from France, the USA, China, Denmark, Japan, Germany, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Vietnam and other countries. In the morning of September 01, they witnessed an attempt to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant by Ukrainian saboteurs, could see massive artillery shelling by the artillery of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and hid in a bomb shelter.

Remember that the IAEA mission headed by its head Rafael Grossi on September 01 visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant being seized by Russia since March 4. 14 experts stayed at ZNPP for two and a half hours. On that day, the Russian army conducted a powerful shelling of the corridor through which the IAEA mission was supposed to follow from Zaporizhzhia to the nuclear power plant, so the experts traveled quite a long time.

The Russians did not allow independent Ukrainian and Western journalists to enter the ZNPP. As President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi said, despite the agreements with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi, the IAEA mission arrived at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant without journalists, there were only propagandists from Russia. Enerhoatom confirmed that “the overwhelming majority of “media from all over the world” who arrived at the plant on September 01 were Russian propagandists.”

Such a statement is spread by pro-Kremlin channels against the backdrop of ongoing events on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant seized by the Russian military. Propagandists claim that NATO intends to use the tense situation at the nuclear power plant in order to fully enter the war with Russia. They draw such conclusions on the basis of a statement by British MP Tobias Ellwood. However, this is manipulation.

According to EU vs Disinfo analysts, in August Tobias Ellwood, a member of the UK Parliament, did speak out about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He stated that due to radiation leakage there is a real threat to life, therefore Article 5 of the Atlantic Treaty, which provides for joint defense in the event of a military threat, will automatically come into force. Russian propaganda uses this very warning as confirmation of the war with NATO.

However, in the context of the politician’s statement, it is clear that any deliberate actions by Russia that will lead to the spread of radiation in NATO countries should be considered an attack on them and encouraged to common defense, as, in fact, this is provided for in Article 5 of the Atlantic Treaty. That is why NATO is not going to enter the war, but will defend itself in case of a possible threat. That is, the words of the British official concerned the defense of NATO member countries.

Such messages are spread by pro-Russian propagandists, including Anatoliy Shariy. His reports say that the entire radiation cloud will go to the West: Poland will get the most of it and generally Western Europe will suffer, but not Moscow at all. However, this is only a concealment of the true facts.

According to Enehoatom, as of July 29, 2022, in the event of a severe accident at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, a radiation cloud will cover part of the south of Ukraine and the southwestern regions of Russia in accordance with the wind rose. Everything will depend on the direction of the wind, however, Russia is close to the ZNPP, which means it is unlikely that it will not suffer at all. So there is such a possibility.

Propagandists are spreading this news to promote the message that the war in Ukraine will not affect Russia in any way. Allegedly, Ukraine itself and its partners will suffer.

This is not the first time that Russian propagandists have been spreading this thesis, trying to accuse Ukraine of destabilizing the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. In particular, the propagandists claim that the Ukrainian military themselves are shelling nuclear power plants; they argue that it is not beneficial for Russia to shell the station, which it itself controls; they assure that they do not harm the facility, but on the contrary, they save it from an abandoned condition, to which Ukraine allegedly brought the station.

In fact, the ongoing shelling at nuclear power plants really poses a nuclear threat. This has been repeatedly mentioned by IAEA experts. However, it is not Ukraine, but Russia that is responsible for the regular shelling of the ZNPP and all the threats arising from them. It was Russia that started the war in Ukraine and illegally seized a strategic facility.

According to the fact-checker VoxCheck, the ZNPP territory was shelled on August 5 and 6, and on other days, and it is Russia that is to blame for all the shelling. According to Enerhoatom, on August 5, the Russians fired at the ZNPP territory twice with the help of MLRS. As a result of attacks on one of the power units, emergency protection worked, so one of the three active power units was turned off. The invaders also damaged the nitrogen-oxygen station and the joint auxiliary building. On August 6, Russian troops were hit by a rocket at the ZNPP site right next to the station's dry storage facility for spent nuclear fuel. Due to shelling, three radiation monitoring sensors around this site were damaged. One station worker was injured. On August 11, Enerhoatom published an analysis of the video on propaganda telegram channels, which proves that on August 6, it was Russian troops who were shelling the ZNPP, approximately from the industrial zone located between the nuclear power plant and Enerhodar.

This message is spreading in pro-Russian anonymous telegram channels.

To promote the message, they use quotes from a Russian scientist who believes that in order for the West to stop providing weapons to Ukraine, Russia must demonstrate “nuclear power and nuclear deterrence.” The main attention supposedly should be given to intimidation of states that have common borders with Russia - Poland, the Baltic countries, Romania and Bulgaria. According to the Russians, "the fear of a devastating nuclear retaliation must be constantly present in the opinions of the leaders of NATO states." Propagandists justify the use of brute force as a determining factor in international relations.

Russian propaganda systematically accuses Ukraine of striking the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant. At the same time, the "commander" of the occupying garrison of the nuclear power plant, Russian General Vasiliev, threatened that "the station will be either Russian or nobody" and "there will be either Russian free land or scorched earth".

According to the Center for Combating Disinformation, representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry said this at the UN conference. Allegedly, as a result of such actions against Russia, the situation in world strategic stability is rapidly deteriorating.