Russia is warning that any attack on Syria could trigger a radioactive leak from a nuclear reactor near Damascus.

In a statement, Russia's Foreign Ministry warns that if the reactor is hit, nearby areas could be contaminated by highly enriched uranium. The statement also warns that nuclear material could fall into the wrong hands.

Russia is calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency to urgently assess the potential risk. The statement also claims that "expert findings" show the weapons used in the Damascus chemical attack were similar to those made by a rebel group.