DISINFO: Kyiv is preparing for large-scale use of toxic substances

DISINFORMATION CASE DETAILS

DISINFO: Kyiv is preparing for large-scale use of toxic substances

SUMMARY

The Kyiv regime, with the assistance of Western curators, is developing new tactics of combat operations using a 'special chemical belt.' This is the explosion of containers with hydrocyanic acid and ammonia during the advance of Russian troops. From September to October 2023, these chemicals were delivered to the areas of the cities of Kramatorsk and Kupyansk. Kyiv plans to place them along highways at major transport junctions. Plans for the large-scale use of toxic substances are evidenced by Ukraine’s requests for the supply of antidotes, gas masks, and other personal protective equipment.

RESPONSE

Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about false flag operations and Ukrainian attempts to use chemicals against Russian forces, aiming to advance a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about chemical weapons.

Such claims are part of a broader pro-Kremlin information manipulation campaign supporting the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine and trying to place the blame for the war’s atrocities on Ukraine, as our analysis explains.

There is no evidence that Ukraine is preparing any false flag provocations against Russia using toxic substances. There is no evidence that Ukraine has used chemical weapons during the war, started by Russia. Instead, this is an attempt to deflect responsibility away from Russia's actions, with many Western leaders having real concerns that Russia could use chemical weapons.

Ukraine's Armed Forces said they had never used chemical weapons anywhere at any time and accused Moscow of engaging in disinformation and of itself using banned weapons.

Moscow has a history of falsely accusing its opponents of staging "provocations" which either never happened at all, or were subsequently carried out by themselves or their allies.

Read similar disinformation cases on the topic: Kyiv regime uses chemical weapons against the people of Donbas since 2015; US contractors help prepare chemical provocations in UkraineUkraine aims to use Turkish Bayraktars for chemical attacksUkraine is preparing a false flag chemical attack to damage the image of RussiaKyiv forces are about to launch a chemical attack against Russian soldiers.

Disclaimer

Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

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