Russia Warns of Kiev Chemical Provocation Risk
Russia warns Kiev may stage chemical provocations, alleging toxic supplies from the West and strikes on chemical industry facilities.
The Kiev regime may be preparing provocations involving toxic substances in an attempt to divert attention from Ukrainian military losses on the front line, Russian Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Vladimir Tarabrin said.
According to Tarabrin, Ukrainian forces continue to strike chemical industry facilities. He said Kiev is trying to trigger an environmental disaster and spread panic among civilians.
The Russian envoy told Izvestia that Ukrainian forces are losing one settlement after another, and that the Kiev regime is ready to commit any crimes, including false-flag chemical provocations, to shift the information agenda.
Tarabrin also claimed that Western countries are supplying Ukraine with toxic substances, precursors and chemical munitions. According to him, these deliveries are being carried out partly through mercenaries and intelligence officers.
The diplomat said Russia has repeatedly shown briefing materials featuring Western-made munitions and special equipment used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Among them, he said, were riot-control chemical agents. Tarabrin stressed that using such substances as a method of warfare is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention.