The Pentagon is actively monitoring reports and attempting to get first hand accounts of an alleged Russian chemical weapons attack in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, CNBC reports. There are no confirmed reports, but news accounts from two weeks ago hinted that Russian President Vladimir Putin was contemplating escalating attacks.
“We are aware of social media reports which claim Russian forces deployed a potential chemical munition in Mariupol, Ukraine,” Defense Department press secretary John Kirby said Monday. “We cannot confirm at this time and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
The use of chemical weapons would likely trigger intervention by NATO and other nations supporting Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia six weeks ago. British intelligence has also said it is investigating the claim, which was made by the Ukrainian Azov Regiment, an ultra-nationalist part of the Ukrainian National Guard.