Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelskyy on Monday warned that Russia could use chemical weapons in a war-hit country and asked the West to impose sanctions that were harder to prevent Moscow from the action. Zelskyy’s warning came in the middle of an unconfirmed report that suggested chemical weapons used in the port of South Mariupol Ukraine.”We treat this with the maximum seriousness,” Zelskyy said at the video address of the night.
“I want to remind world leaders that the possibility of using chemical weapons by the Russian military has been discussed. And at that time it means that it needs to react to Russian aggression harder and faster.”Ukrainian president did not say whether chemical weapons had been used.Aide to the Mayor Mariupol said that reports on chemical attacks were not confirmed and that he would provide details and clarification later.The Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the US knew the report but could not confirm the truth.
“We cannot confirm at this time and will continue to monitor the situation carefully,” Kirby said. “These reports, if true, are very alarming and reflecting the worries we have about Russian potential to use various riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, in Ukraine.”A Biden Administrative Officer, meanwhile, said that the US provides Ukraine with protective life-saving equipment to be used against the possibility of using chemical and biological weapons by Russia, reporting Reuters. Equipment delivered in rotation and some have been sent, according to the report.On Monday, the European Union said that more sanctions against Russia were choices.”It’s time to make this package in such a way that we won’t hear even words about weapons of mass destruction from the Russian side,” Zelskyy said. “The oil embargo against Russia is a must. Every new sanction package against Russia that does not affect oil will be received in Moscow with a smile.”
