Russia launches annual nuclear drills amid "dirty bomb" fears

• U.S. and Ukrainian officials have rejected the allegations, which have sparked concerns about a potential "false flag" operation by Russia that could escalate the war in Ukraine.
• Russia has amped up its nuclear rhetoric in recent months.

State of play: Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told Putin on Wednesday that the drills were meant to simulate a “massive nuclear strike” by Russia in response to a nuclear attack on the country, AP reported.

• The Kremlin said in a statement Tuesday that all of the exercises for the drills had been completed and the missiles fired had reached their practice targets.
• Putin notably repeated the dirty bomb allegation on Wednesday, saying "we know about the plans to use the so-called dirty bomb for provocations."

The big picture: A “dirty bomb” is an explosive device that includes both conventional explosives and nuclear material. Such devices can create widespread radioactive contamination.

• However, tracking the preparations for the use of a dirty bomb is more difficult than for a conventional nuclear weapon, making it harder to know in advance if Russia is indeed planning to use one, the Financial Times reported, citing multiple western officials.

• NATO is also currently conducting its annual nuclear exercises through the end of the month.
• Pentagon press secretary, Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, said at a press briefing Tuesday that Russia had notified the U.S. in advance of its intention to conduct the nuclear exercises.
• "We have not seen at this time, though any indication that Russia has made a decision or intends to employ nuclear weapons or a dirty bomb," Ryder added.