Report of Mariupol Chemical Attack Sparks US, UK Concern
Desk Report
Published: 12 Apr 2022, 02:39 pm
Russian forces allegedly launched the attack on the Azovstal metals plant, where the Ukrainian troops are said to be entrenched || Photo: BBC
The US and Britain say they are looking into reports that
chemical weapons have been used by Russian forces attacking the Ukrainian port
of Mariupol.
Ukraine's Azov regiment said three soldiers were injured by
"a poisonous substance" in an attack on Monday.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said officials were working
to "urgently" investigate what she called "a callous
escalation" of the war.
The Pentagon called the potential use of the weapons
"deeply concerning".
Western nations have warned that the use of chemical weapons
would mark a dangerous escalation of the conflict and have pledged to take firm
action if Russia carries out such attacks.