Ukraine is checking unverified information that Russia may have used chemical weapons while besieging the southern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said on Tuesday.
“There is a theory that it could be phosphorus munitions,” Malyar said in televised remarks, adding: “Official information will come later.” The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Russian-backed separatist forces trying to take full control of Mariupol denied using chemical weapons in comments carried by Russian news agency Interfax.
The Mariupol city council wrote on the Telegram message service that it was not yet possible to examine the area where the poisonous substance would have been used because of enemy fire.
He added that the city’s civilian population had minimal contact with the unspecified poison, but that Ukrainian soldiers had come into closer contact with it and are now being observed for possible symptoms.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Monday that Russia could use chemical weapons in Ukraine. The UK and US said they were aware of reports that Russia may have already used chemical agents in Mariupol. The UK said it was working with partners to verify the reports.
Russia has previously accused Ukraine of preparing to use chemical weapons, without providing evidence.
Last month, the Kremlin said that the US talking about Russia’s use of such weapons was a tactic to divert attention from issues that were embarrassing for Washington.
Source: CNN Brasil
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