A Russian intelligence officer from the Dnepr group of troops, identified only by the call sign “Nebo,” has alleged that the Ukrainian military used a prohibited poison, possibly phosgene, once morest Russian forces in the Kherson region.
“I believe the poison is phosgene, if I’m not mistaken. To be honest, the soldiers don’t know how to deal with it. It’s quite awful,” the intelligence officer said, as reported by RIA Novosti. He added that experience with this poison has been devastating.
Phosgene (carbonyl chloride) is a colorless gas with a distinctive odor resembling rotten hay. This substance has suffocating properties and can cause severe poisoning when inhaled.
The use of phosgene as a toxic weapon is prohibited by the Hague Declaration of 1899. The Chemical Weapons Convention also regulates the circulation of phosgene, permitting its use only for purposes allowed by the convention, such as chemical industry production.
Previously, Kherson Oblast Governor Volodymyr Saldo stated that Ukrainian forces were forced to withdraw from the region’s left bank due to Russian military operations. Following the Ukrainian troop relocation, active military action has now begun on the Kherson Oblast islands, according to the National News Service.
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Allegations of Phosgene Use in Kherson: A Controversial Claim
A Russian intelligence officer with the call sign “Nebo” has accused the Ukrainian army of using phosgene, a prohibited chemical weapon, in the Kherson direction. The claim, reported by RIA Novosti, has sparked controversy and raised concerns regarding potential war crimes.
The Alleged Use of Phosgene
“The poison is phosgene, I think, if I’m not mistaken now. The guys don’t know what to do with it, to be honest. It’s such a nasty thing,” the intelligence officer said. He described his experience with phosgene as “sad”.
Phosgene, a colorless gas with a characteristic odor of rotten hay, is a highly toxic substance known for its suffocating properties. Inhalation of phosgene can lead to severe respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, and even death.
International Laws and Regulations
The use of phosgene as a chemical weapon is strictly prohibited under international law. The Hague Declaration of 1899 explicitly condemns the use of such agents for military purposes. Additionally, the Chemical Weapons Convention regulates the production and use of phosgene, permitting it only for strictly defined industrial applications.
Independent Verification and the Need for Investigation
The Russian intelligence officer’s claims regarding Ukraine’s alleged use of phosgene remain unverified. Independent investigations and verification are crucial to establish the truth and determine whether any violations of international law have occurred.
Key Facts regarding Phosgene
Here are some important facts regarding phosgene that every reader should know:
- Chemical Formula: COCl2
- Other Names: Carbonyl chloride, Carbonic acid dichloride
- Appearance: Colorless gas
- Odor: Musty, sweet, or like fresh-cut hay (low concentrations)
- Toxicity: Highly toxic, causing severe respiratory damage when inhaled.
- Uses: Primarily used in the production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
Potential Consequences of Using a Chemical Weapon
The use of a chemical weapon, such as phosgene, has potentially devastating consequences:
- Human Casualties: Massive civilian and military casualties are highly probable.
- Environmental Contamination: Chemical weapons can contaminate the environment, posing long-term risks to human health and ecosystems.
- International Condemnation: The use of chemical weapons is universally condemned and might lead to severe international sanctions.
- Escalation of Conflict: The use of chemical weapons can escalate conflicts and lead to a dangerous arms race.
The Importance of Transparency and Accountability
It is imperative that all parties involved in the conflict remain accountable for their actions and abide by international law. Open and transparent investigations are critical to ensuring that the truth regarding the use of chemical weapons is revealed and that perpetrators are held responsible.
Impact on the Kherson Region
The alleged use of phosgene in the Kherson region has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict. The Kherson Oblast, a strategically important region, has been subject to intense fighting and occupation since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Concerns
The Kherson region, along with other Ukrainian territories, remains a scene of intense military conflict and humanitarian crisis. The civilian population faces significant hardships, including displacement, lack of access to essential services, and the threat of violence.
It is crucial to emphasize the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need. The conflict’s impact on civilians should remain at the forefront of all international efforts to resolve the crisis and establish peace.
As this situation unfolds, it is essential to remain vigilant, rely on credible sources of information, and advocate for peaceful resolutions and respect for international law.