How a 'Dirty Bomb' Actually Compares to a Nuclear Weapon

Russia recently warned that Ukraine could potentially use a "dirty bomb" on its own soil in an attempt to blame Moscow, prompting many questions on what this weapon is.

According to the Associated Press, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke to his officials in the U.S. Britain and other Western nations and warned of "possible Ukrainian provocations involving a 'dirty bomb.'"

The remarks come as war between Russia and Ukraine continues. Ukraine has been executing counteroffensive war methods as it attempts to retake control of some regions, while Russian President Vladimir Putin recently annexed four areas in which he also declared martial law.

Amid the ongoing war between the two nations, many have expressed concerns about the potential use of nuclear weapons by Putin and the recent mention of a "dirty bomb" has prompted more concern.

According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) "A 'dirty bomb' is a type of 'radiological dispersal device' that combines a conventional explosive, such as dynamite, with radioactive material."

"Most RDDs [radiological dispersal devices] would not release enough radiation to kill people or cause severe illness—the conventional explosive itself would be more harmful to people than the radioactive material. However, an RDD explosion could create fear and panic, contaminate property and require potentially costly cleanup," the NRC said in a background document on "dirty bombs."

The NRC also states that a "dirty bomb" is not the same as a nuclear bomb because a nuclear bomb creates an explosion "that is millions of times more powerful than a dirty bomb." According to the NRC, a "dirty bomb" is not considered to be a weapon of mass destruction, like a nuclear bomb but is instead a "weapon of mass disruption," with its main goals being "contamination and anxiety."

Heather Williams, the director of the Project on Nuclear Issues and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) spoke to Newsweek last week about the potential nuclear weapons that could be used amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

"We're talking about tactical nuclear weapons used now. That's what the real concern is. These would be lower yield, shorter range, potentially battlefield used nuclear weapons," Williams told Newsweek.

Christopher Fettweis, a political science professor at Tulane University, also spoke to Newsweek on Sunday about the "dirty bomb" comments and said, "They're more theoretical than real."

"It would not make any sense for the Ukrainians to do something like that. Even to try to get public opinion against the Russians because why would anyone believe the Russians?" Fettweis added.

Shortly after the remarks by Russia, several other nations issued statements disputing the concerns.

"Earlier today, the defense ministers of each of our countries spoke to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at his request. Our countries made clear that we all reject Russia's transparently false allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory. The world would see through any attempt to use this allegation as a pretext for escalation. We further reject any pretext for escalation by Russia," the U.S. Department of State said.

Newsweek reached out to the Russian and Ukrainian Foreign Ministries for comment.