Oyogist has learned that Ukraine has accused Russia of unleashing “chemical agents” in an attack on the people of Mariupol, leaving soldiers and residents “dizzy and unable to breathe”.
Troops defending the port city of Mariupol are reportedly suffering respiratory failure, dizziness and other symptoms as a result of the “unknown substance”.
The unidentified agent is said to have been dropped on the southern city – which has seen some of the worst fighting since the war began – via a Russian drone, according to unverified reports from the city’s Azov regiment.
Addressing the reports, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said it would be a “callous escalation” if Russia has used chemical weapons in its invasion of Ukraine.
She wrote on Twitter: “Reports that Russian forces may have used chemical agents in an attack on the people of Mariupol. We are working urgently with partners to verify details.
“Any use of such weapons would be a callous escalation in this conflict and we will hold Putin and his regime to account.”
It comes hours after the UK’s Ministry of Defence warned Vladimir Putin may resort to using devastating “phosphorous bombs” in his efforts to take hold of Mariupol and break the stalemate in Ukraine.
