Ukrainian troops have alleged that Russian troops used chemical weapons in the eastern strategic point of Mariupol, but pro-Russian militants denied on the 12th.
However, Western defense officials have pointed out that Russian troops are strengthening their forces in the east, and there is increasing caution among countries that the possibility of using chemical weapons cannot be ruled out.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on the 12th that it attacked Donetsk and Luhansk provinces in eastern Ukraine with missiles and destroyed the Ukrainian army's anti-aircraft missile system.
He also claimed that Mariupol, a key point in the east, "the Ukrainian soldiers who remained in the factory surrounded by us tried to escape at night, but failed due to air strikes and artillery," and took control of Mariupol. It seems that the siege is continuing.
Regarding the eastern war situation, the British Ministry of Defense pointed out on the 12th that "combat will intensify in the next few weeks," and analyzed that Russian troops will continue to concentrate attacks around Donetsk and Luhansk.
A senior U.S. Department of Defense official also pointed out on the 11th that most of the missile attacks that the Russian army made in the last few days are concentrated in the eastern region, and that the Russian army fires in the southwestern direction of Donetsk. It is said that it can be confirmed that the force has begun to be strengthened centering on.
In addition, he said that a convoy of Russian troops could be confirmed on the north side of Izyum in eastern Kharkiv Oblast, and that the purpose was to supply and strengthen the force of the troops deployed in the eastern part.
Meanwhile, spokesman Baslin, a pro-Russian armed group, mentioned on the 11th the possibility of using chemical weapons to seize a steel mill in Mariupol as having up to 4000 Ukrainian soldiers.
Regarding chemical weapons, Ukrainian troops posted on SNS on the 11th, "Russian troops use toxic substances to Ukrainian soldiers and citizens in Mariupol, and multiple people are showing symptoms of dyspnea." Did.
However, spokesman Baslin denied to Interfax on the 12th, "We are not using any chemical weapons in Mariupol."
U.S. Department of Defense spokesman Kirby said in a statement yesterday that the use of chemical weapons was "not confirmed at this time and will continue to be closely watched," and British Foreign Minister Truss said on Twitter, "Hurry to confirm details. As the Russian army strengthens its forces in the east, the possibility of using chemical weapons cannot be ruled out, and there is growing caution among countries.