Russia, Ukraine accuse each other of being ready to use semi-nuclear 'dirty' bombs

Russia's Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu held telephone talks with British, French and Turkish counterparts on Monday, to express his concern that Ukraine might use 'dirty bombs’, or low-yield nuclear weapons in a provocative act.

Ukrainian president Zelensky denied the allegation, implying that Russia is itself preparing an attack of this kind.

Ukraine's allies also dismissed the claim, with the US saying it "rejected any pretext for Russian escalation.” In a statement published on Twitter, Britain’s Ministry of Defence confirmed details of the telephone conversation and reiterated the desire to de-escalate the conflict.