CHEM ATTACK FEARS
Putin accused of using chemical weapons after Ukrainian troops hit by ‘unknown substance’ leaving them unable to breathe
RUSSIA has been accused of using chemical weapons on Ukrainians in the besieged city of Mariupol in a potential horrific escalation of the war that could see the deployment of British troops.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the UK and other allies were "working urgently" to verify the details of the alleged chemical attack - which could be a red line for the West to send in forces.
5
5
A battalion claims troops were hit by an "unknown substance", leaving its men dizzy and suffering from respiratory failure.
The unidentified agent is said to have been dropped on the city by a Russian drone, according to unverified reports from the city's Azov regiment.
Last night Ms Truss warned Russia: "Any use of such weapons would be a callous escalation in this conflict and we will hold Putin and his regime to account."
And this morning, Armed forces minister James Heappey said British and other Western troops could be deployed to Ukraine to respond to despotic Putin.
He said: "All possible options are on the table in terms of how the West might respond".
The UK Ministry of Defence has previously suggested Russia could turn to the use of deadly phosphorus bombs amid attempts to break resistance in Mariupol.
A pro-Russian general in Donbas earlier suggested the idea, telling state media it would "smoke the Ukrainian moles out of the underground".
Claims of the chemical attack were also published by Ukrainian MP Ivanna Klympush on Twitter.
She wrote: "Russia 1.5hr ago used unknown substance in #Mariupol.
"Victims experience respiratory failure, vestibulo-atactic syndrome. Most likely chemical weapons!
"This is a red line beyond which must destroy economy of despotism. We demand full embargo on all fuels from #RU &heavy weapons 2UA now!"
Most read in The Sun
The Ukrainian Azov regiment also tweeted: "Russian occupation forces used a poisonous substance of unknown origin against Ukrainian military and civilians in the city of Mariupol, which was dropped from an enemy drone.
"The victims have respiratory failure... the effects of the unknown substance are being clarified."
Western leaders have grown increasingly concerned that a desperate Putin will use chemical weapons as his invasion falters.
It comes after the city was devasted by several horrific strikes, leading to hundreds of civilian deaths.
Up to 90% of the city, home to 400,000 before the war, has been destroyed or damaged after a month of heavy shelling, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Mariupol is believed to be surrounded by Russian troops, with commanders resorting to sickening attacks to break the will of the people living there.
At least 300 people taking shelter at a theatre in the city were killed by a Russian airstrike last month.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
Russian troops also reduced a school to rubble in the city, where around 400 civilians were sheltering when the building was hit by thermobaric TOS-1A rockets, which can melt human organs.
Surviving residents are said to have resorted to drinking from puddles after their power and water supplies were severed.
5
5
Topics