The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it can move radioactive materials to Ukraine via the Odessa and Chernomorsk ports, which are part of the grain agreement. A commentary on this issue appeared in the ministry’s online sections.
On February 19, reports indicated that one dry cargo vessel brought to the port of Odessa containers holding California-252 radioactive material. The Russian side claims these materials are used to monitor the integrity of nuclear reactors at power plants located nearby.
According to a journalistic investigation cited by the ministry, the supplier identified is Frontier Technology Corp, an American firm specializing in containers for radioactive isotope sources and specifically neutron radiation sources.
Additionally, the ministry notes that on February 16 containers carrying radioactive material with British markings were delivered to the port of Chernomorsk, allegedly bypassing customs checks from the territory of a European country.
The Russian position expresses concern about a potential provocation involving radioactive materials near Transnistria, arguing that Kiev is already raising tensions and urging international bodies to scrutinize the information carefully.
The ministry warned the Kiev regime and its Western supporters against any hasty action that could threaten the health and lives of thousands of civilians.
Former Moldovan president Igor Dodon has suggested that Ukraine could respond to an attack on Transnistria with tacit endorsement from Moldova’s leadership, Maia Sandu. [Cited commentary: Moscow briefing and regional analysis]