Shortly after a Russian threat with the use of chemical weapons in Mariupol, Ukraine’s Azov regiment reported an alleged poison gas attack. An unknown substance had been dropped from a drone over the long-disputed city, Azov said on his Telegram channel Monday evening. Former Azov commander Andry Biletsky reported three people with symptoms of poisoning.
However, the Ukrainian public TV channel Suspilne reported that there was no confirmation from official bodies. It is true that military sources considered the likelihood of a chemical weapons attack by the Russian side to be “very high”. The broadcaster is trying to get confirmation from the army or the secret service. According to the Azov information, those affected suffered from breathing difficulties and movement disorders.
Notifications “disturbing”
A spokesman for the US Department of Defense said there was no confirmation of the use of chemical weapons. If the reports are correct, that would be very worrying. It is in line with fears that Russia will use chemical agents, such as tear gas mixed with other chemicals, to suppress large crowds in Ukraine, spokesman John Kirby said.
According to Western military experts, the situation in Mariupol is deteriorating. Russian troops pushed back the Ukrainian defenders. The Ukrainians have entrenched themselves in the steel factory of Azovstal, among other places. Military spokesman for Donetsk’s pro-Russian separatists, Eduard Bassurin, said capturing the underground fortifications on the factory site would be too expensive. Therefore, one must rely on chemically armed troops.
Zelenskyj: ‘Cause for tougher reaction’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy referred to this threat in his overnight video address. “We take it extremely seriously.” A possible chemical weapons attack should prompt foreign states to respond even harder to Russian aggression, Zelensky said. However, he does not say that chemical weapons have already been used.
West threatens with ‘serious consequences’
Western countries have warned Moscow of dire consequences if it uses chemical weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in the war that began nearly seven weeks ago. Following Mariupol’s reports, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss wrote on Twitter that they were working with partners to verify details. Any use of such weapons would be an escalation for which Russian President Vladimir Putin and his leadership will be held accountable.
Russia itself has not used chemical weapons in the Syrian war, but has covered up and denied the Syrian government’s proven dropping of poison gas bombs.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
