The FSB announced the arrest of those trying to export cesium-137 from the Russian Federation

The Federal Security Service of Russia reported the arrest of five people who, according to the special service, tried to export one kilogram of radioactive cesium-137 with a total value of three and a half million dollars. This is reported by RIA “Novosti” with reference to the statement of the Public Relations Center of the FSB.

According to the FSB, the detainees were going to use cesium in the combat zone in Ukraine “for productions using weapons of mass destruction in order to discredit Russia.” In the statement of the FSB, which is quoted by the agency, it is said that the “criminal group” acted “with the coordination of a citizen of Ukraine” in the interests of a foreign customer.

A case was opened on illegal handling of radioactive substances and preparation for their smuggling. The detainees themselves, according to the FSB, are now giving incriminating statements.

• Since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Russian authorities have repeatedly stated that the Ukrainian side is allegedly preparing provocations using the so-called mud bomb. An explosive device consisting of a container with a radioactive isotope and an explosive charge. When detonated, a radioactive substance is sprayed by a shock wave over a large area. There are currently no precedents for the use of such weapons. The Russian side has never provided evidence that Ukraine has a dirty bomb.

• Kyiv and Western countries called Moscow’s accusations false. They noted that Russia could make such a statement while preparing for an attack under a foreign flag. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that the only one who can think about the use of nuclear weapons in Europe is the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.