On Tuesday, the Azov Battalion, the voluntary paramilitary militia force of Ukraine, released a video on telegram. In the footage, the Ukrainian spokesperson claimed that Russia had deployed chemical agents in the south-eastern port city of Mariupol. Three afflicted victims were filmed bedridden.
The victims captured in the footage displayed signs of irritated mouths and eyes, including swelling, tachycardia (increased rate of heartbeats), hypertension, and dyspnea (shortness of breath).
For months now, European and US security agencies have been warning Ukrainian officials of the deployment of chemical agents in besieged cities like Mariupol and Kharkov. The use of chemical weapons in warfare has been outlawed by the 1925 Geneva Protocol, considering that these types of weapons cause irreparable damage to soldiers and civilians alike.
The severe neurological and physical harm caused by the use of chemical weapons leaves a horrifying aftermath as compared to conventional weapons of war.
An image of Azovstal Iron and Steel plant, the last fortress of Ukrainian soldiers in Mariupol
The footage released by Azov battalion on Tuesday, contained recordings of 3 victims afflicted by the so called chemical attack. Among many one of the victims was an elderly man who described his experience of the attack as an explosion of white smoke like substance that caused severe dyspnea and loss of consciousness.
The victim was near Azovstal metal plant, one of the largest in the city when the Russians commenced a drone attack. A white cloud like substance was dispersed onto the soldiers and civilians resulting in many falling down unconscious within seconds. Upon regaining consciousness many were treated for swelling in eyes and mouth along with hypertension and dyspnea as well.
The west and other members of NATO have warned previously that the use of chemical weapons by Russia will result in dire consequences as other countries will respond accordingly. If needed, a direct military response will be dispatched to Ukraine.
Although Russia has denied the accusations of deploying chemical weapons to the besieged Ukrainian cities, the former deputy defence minister and defence spokesperson of the Donetsk people’s republic “people’s militia” command, Eduward Basurin, gave a statement on Tuesday speaking about the remnants of Ukrainian soldiers entrenched in the Azovstal iron plant.
The plant had been bombed a few weeks before and was partially damaged.But for the last of the Ukrainian soldiers currently holding Mariupol, it is the last fortress, consisting of several underground levels that might provide adequate protection from the invading Russian forces.
Basurin has appealed to concentrate attacks on the Azovstal steel plants and also added that, considering the large number of Ukrainian troops entrenched in the plant, a frontal assault will have little effect. Therefore, Russia should deploy chemical troops and weapons to “smoke out the moles hiding in the Azovstal Iron and Steel Plant”.
Although the reports of the chemical attacks is unconfirmed but still by the words and actions of Russian associates and allies (Basurin) it is clear that the Kremlin wants to put an end to the war as swiftly and effortlessly as possible even if it means to use unambiguous and outlawed military ventures to complete their purpose.
The social media reports released by Azov Battalion has been reacted upon by many world leaders worldwide, with many fearing the worst consequences- an all out war between Russia and the western countries. The Azov battalion has also said that due to the besieged state of Mariupol, it is too risky to try to find the remains of the weapon shell to prove their claims.
The video evidence may be insufficient for the west and European ally nations to retaliate but ambassadors and spokespersons of many ally nations have warned of complete retaliation against Russia if the veracity of the deployment of chemical weapons is proven. US and UK are planning to launch an investigation into the matter and act according to the situation as it unfolds.
With every passing day, the Russian forces are mounting more and more audacious militaristic ventures to wipe out the resistance from the south-eastern cities of Ukraine. As of today, Russian forces control only 7% of Ukrainian territory, despite their superior military equipment, logistical support, and manpower.
Ukraine’s battle for existence keeps getting more and more challenging with every passing day. Russia’s blatant disregard for the policies of the west may have a disastrous effect on the outcome of the war as the nations of the world may plunge into another devastating war on a global scale. In the light of recent events, it is possible that the fateful day might arrive upon us sooner than we can expect.
Published By: Bhavya Dedhia
