Ukrainian militiamen equipped with gas masks and chemical weapons

According to recent reports from Russian media outlets, officials from the Slavyansk militia's media center revealed that all local fighters have been issued gas masks. This move comes amid growing concerns over potential chemical weapon use by Ukrainian forces in the region. The decision was made following a series of incidents that have raised alarms among the militia leadership.

Earlier this month, on June 29, the militia claimed that Ukrainian government forces deployed an unknown chemical agent during an attack in Semyonovka, a town near Slavyansk. Two militiamen were reportedly severely affected and taken to the hospital for treatment. The incident has fueled fears of a possible escalation in the conflict, with both sides accusing each other of using banned substances.

On June 30, Igor Strelkov, a deputy commander of the Donetsk militia, reported that after heavy shelling by Ukrainian forces near Slavyansk, several individuals exhibited symptoms of chlorine poisoning. These cases were also hospitalized, further intensifying the debate over the use of chemical weapons in the ongoing conflict.

Russian diplomat Roman Kolodkin, the ambassador to the Netherlands, mentioned that Russia is considering submitting a formal request to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to investigate allegations of chemical weapon use in eastern Ukraine. However, he emphasized that there is currently no conclusive evidence to support these claims, and the matter remains under review.

Meanwhile, according to initial reports from Ukrainian sources, it is alleged that government forces have used chloromethane, a toxic chemical compound, in certain areas of the conflict zone. Such claims, if verified, could significantly impact international perceptions and diplomatic responses to the crisis.

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