Pentagon concerned about Russia’s potential use of chemical weapons in Ukraine

The Pentagon cannot confirm reports that Russian forces have used a chemical weapon in Mariupol, but officials remain concerned about the potential Russian use of a possible strike involving chemical substances.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said in a statement Monday, Ukrinform reports, referring to CNN.

“These reports, if true, are deeply concerning and reflective of concerns that we have had about Russia’s potential to use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, in Ukraine,” Kirby said.

Read also: Russia’s chemical attack on Mariupol: Three persons affected

According to Kirby, the Pentagon will monitor the situation closely.

As Ukrinform reported, Andriy Biletsky, the founder of the Azov Regiment, said that Russian troops in Mariupol used a poisonous substance of unknown origin, which was dropped from a UAV.

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