The Kremlin is trying to influence the West through a false narrative about a "dirty bomb" in Ukraine.

According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Kremlin is likely trying to influence Western discussions on providing additional military assistance to Ukraine by reviving the false narrative that Ukraine intends to use a "dirty bomb" against Russia. ISW experts noted that on June 20, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, when asked by the moderator of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) whether Ukraine will use a "dirty bomb" against Russia, responded that this would be a "colossal mistake" and that Russia will respond proportionately to all threats.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, took up Putin's statement and stated on June 21 that Russia will respond with tactical nuclear weapons if Ukraine uses a "dirty bomb" against it. ISW experts note that Russian officials previously activated the "dirty bomb" narrative and nuclear blackmail in March and October 2022.

According to the assessment of ISW analysts, Russian officials are using this narrative to delay Western discussions on providing additional military assistance to Ukraine and to undermine Western resolve. "Russian officials are likely to revive the use of this narrative against the backdrop of debates taking place in the United States and Europe regarding the provision of additional assistance to Ukraine," the report states.