The UN's Atomic Energy Agency has said it has begun the process of "independently verifying" Russian allegations of building a "dirty bomb" in Ukraine.
According to the AFP news agency, a statement released on Monday said that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have "started verification activities at two sites in Ukraine." And will complete it soon.
Rafael Grossi, the agency's director general, said he would "provide his initial findings on the latest verification activities at the two sites" later this week.
Russia has accused Ukraine of preparing to use a 'dirty bomb' against Moscow's forces, but Kiev suspects that Russia itself could use one in a 'false flag' attack. Possibly to justify Moscow's use of conventional nuclear weapons.
Russian forces have faced stiff resistance in several major Ukrainian cities since the invasion in February.
The agency said last week that it inspected one of the two sites a month ago and found no undeclared nuclear activity or material.
A 'dirty bomb' is a conventional weapon loaded with radioactive, biological or chemical material. The explosion spreads this material over the area.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the IAEA to inspect Ukraine's nuclear facilities "as soon as possible".
The agency also called for the release of an employee of Ukraine's nuclear power plant, who was detained by Russian forces two weeks ago.
The plant, believed to be Europe's largest nuclear facility, was seized by Russian troops in the early days of the attack in March.
The agency's director general, Raphael Grossi, once again drew attention to the "uncertainty" of the plant, expressing concern about the "difficult and stressful working conditions" for Ukrainian operating personnel there.
Another employee detained two weeks ago was recently released, the statement said.
Ukraine claims that Moscow's forces are "abducting" the plant's staff and recently said that around 50 employees are being held "in captivity".
