Russia now falsely claims Ukraine is preparing to use a radiological "dirty bomb" on its own territory, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Report informs, citing NATO.
NATO Allies reject this transparently false allegation:
"Russia often accuses others of what they intend to do themselves. We have seen this pattern before. From Syria to Ukraine. Russia must not use false pretexts for further escalation."
According to Stoltenberg, the world is watching closely: "Russia's brutal war and illegal war is at a pivotal moment. President Putin is responding to his failures on the battlefield with more aggression. Strikes on civilians, on civilian energy infrastructure. And drone and missile attacks on residential areas."
"In recent days, we have also seen Iran provide military support to the Russian war effort. This is unacceptable. No country should be helping the aggressor in an illegal war. So I welcome that Allies and the European Union are implementing strong sanctions on Tehran," he said.
Secretary General noted that NATO is not a party to the war in Ukraine: "But we will continue to support their fundamental right to self-defense. For as long as it takes."