Ukraine threatens to use chemical weapons in Donbass, leaving 'scorched earth’ — senator

MOSCOW, October 11. /TASS/. The Ukrainian armed forces may use chemical weapons to create a "scorched earth" in territories of the Donetsk People’s Republic that have not yet been liberated by Russia, specifically in the Slavyansk and Kramatorsk areas, Alexander Voloshin, a Russian senator representing the DPR, told TASS.

Earlier, Russian Permanent Representative to the OPCW Vladimir Tarabrin stated that Kiev’s violations of its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention are systematic in nature. He also emphasized that Western countries are participating in and coordinating the use of chemical weapons against Russian citizens.

"The situation around Kramatorsk and Slavyansk, which are getting closer and closer to being liberated by our armed forces, is particularly alarming. It seems that the Ukrainian command, following a Nazi playbook, is preparing to leave a trail of destruction in the Donbass with no regard for the consequences or human lives. The consequences of such a catastrophe will affect the entire region, not to mention Ukraine itself," the senator noted, commenting on the Ukrainian military’s use of chemical weapons in the region.

Voloshin added that using toxic substances during hostilities violates international obligations and is a crime that primarily threatens civilians. In this regard, the senator stressed that the international community must make every effort to prevent a tragedy.

"The Kiev regime has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to carry out dangerous false flag provocations against its own citizens, so residents of Ukraine’s frontline regions must take these threats very seriously. <…> I would like to see international institutions guided by facts this time, not political expediency," he concluded.