Ukrainian authorities reported on Friday that more than 2,000 of its soldiers were poisoned by chemical substances allegedly used by the Russian Armed Forces within the framework of the conflict that began in February 2022 by order of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.
According to the Ukrainian Army, three of those affected died due to acute poisoning.
“Since the beginning of the large-scale invasion, more than 2,000 military personnel with varying degrees of poisoning by unknown or known chemical substances “They have been sent to medical facilities both for military use and to the general medical infrastructure of Ukraine,” indicated the Department of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Protection of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Artem Vlasiukin charge of civil protection of said department, pointed out that in many of the cases traces of tear gas similar to those used by riot police were detected.
“In three cases we have a medical opinion that indicates death as a result of acute poisoning by an unknown chemical substance“said Vlasiuk, although he did not provide further details about the fatal incidents, the agency reported. Ukrinform.
Vlasiuk stressed that the Ukrainian Army does not use these chemicals, since their use is prohibited by the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, of which kyiv is a signatory. “The Ukrainian Army complies with International Law”he stressed.
The war in Ukraine, which began at the end of February 2022, left a conflict scenario practically stagnant on the front lines in recent months. The invasion, ordered by Putin, continues no diplomatic solution in sight and with constant complaints of violations of International Law by both parties.
He United States Government announced this Thursday a new military assistance package aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense against continued attacks from Russia.
Valued at 500 million dollarsthis package is number 72 approved by the administration of Joe Biden and reflects the commitment to continue supporting Ukraine until the end of his mandate on January 20.
The Secretary of State, Antony Blinkenstated that this aid is part of the commitments reached in September during the meeting at the White House between Biden and the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelensky.
At that meeting, both leaders agreed to accelerate the delivery of critical weapons before the change of administration. According to Blinken, Ukraine urgently needs these capabilities to protect itself from Russian aggression.
The package includes drones, ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)HARM anti-radiation missiles, artillery projectiles of different calibers, Javelin and TOW anti-tank missiles, demolition equipment, protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, as well as light tactical vehicles.
White House Homeland Security Spokesperson John Kirbyhighlighted that this strategy seeks to guarantee that Zelensky has the best possible conditions to maintain his position on the battlefield and be prepared for future negotiations.
In parallel, the Ukrainian president visited a combat brigade in the province of Zaporizhzhiapartially occupied by Russia. There he thanked the United States for its support and highlighted the effectiveness of the HIMARS systems, calling them an example of superior, precise and reliable weapons.
Zelensky stressed that these systems have been fundamental in repelling Russian offensives in regions such as Kherson and Sumi.in addition to stopping the attacks in Donetsk.
According to the president, long-range missiles provided by the United States have saved hundreds of thousands of lives by allowing Ukrainian forces to protect themselves from Russian terrorism and prevent further destruction.
The American president, through his administration, has also led a coalition of more than 50 countries coordinating the delivery of military aid to Ukraine.
This international effort, according to Blinken, It seeks to ensure that Ukraine has the necessary capabilities to defend itself from Russian aggression and protect its sovereignty.
However, Biden’s policy has faced internal criticism from opposition sectors, including comments from the former president Donald Trumpwho questioned the extent of military assistance.
Kirby defended the government’s strategy, insisting that the primary goal is to put Ukraine in a strong position vis-à-vis Russia, both militarily and diplomatically.
(With information from Europa Press and EFE)
