Russia again accuses Ukraine of preparing chemical attacks

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — For the third time, Russia accused Ukraine of preparing chemical attacks with the help of the West and of seeking biological and even nuclear weapons, allegations vehemently denied by the United States and Britain.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed concern Tuesday that Russia's “ridiculous accusations” that Ukraine plans to use chemical weapons are “a precursor to Russia's plans to use chemical weapons, and we need to make sure that the world hears this and understands what is happening.”

Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN Dmitri Poliansky told reporters that Russia mentioned “the threat of chemical provocations in Ukraine” in closed-door consultations at the end of a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East on Tuesday, saying Ukrainian nationalists were responsible for a recent spill of ammonia in a chemical plant in the city of Sumy. The regional governor of Somy said that the spill at the plant, which produces fertilizers, was caused by Russian artillery.

Poliansky stated that this was one of several examples of “false flag chemical provocations whose assembly is being prepared by Ukrainian radicals with the assistance of Western intelligence and private military companies to accuse Russia of using chemical weapons.” He again accused the “Kiev regime” of developing “a military biological program with the help of the United States, while seeking to obtain nuclear weapons”.

US President Joe Biden has said that Russian accusations that Ukraine has biological and chemical weapons is a clear sign that President Vladimir Putin is considering using them and has warned of several serious consequences if they are used.