The article reports on the use of gas attacks by Russian troops in Ukraine, particularly in the Donbas region. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has confirmed that over 8,500 gas masks have been provided to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.
However, higher-ranking officers and soldiers have expressed concerns about the lack of preparation for gas attacks among Ukrainian soldiers. They cite poor training, inadequate equipment, and a lack of time for preparation as major issues. As a result, soldiers are often caught off guard by gas attacks, which can be deadly, especially when combined with other hazards like diesel fires.
The article also highlights the dangers of modern chemical agents, which can be particularly hazardous when they interact with plastics, rubbers, and synthetic materials. Several eyewitnesses and victims have reported suffering serious consequences from gas attacks, including deaths that went unrecorded due to the challenges of retrieving bodies for forensic analysis.
Experts, including a former British Colonel, are calling on the West to hold Russia accountable for committing war crimes and to provide countermeasures, such as modern gas masks, to help Ukraine protect its soldiers. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue to save lives.
Key points from the article:
* Over 8,500 gas masks have been provided to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.
* Ukrainian soldiers often lack preparation and training for gas attacks, making them more vulnerable.
* Modern chemical agents can be particularly hazardous when combined with other hazards like diesel fires.
* The actual toll of deaths from gas attacks may be higher than officially reported due to challenges in retrieving bodies.
* Experts are calling on the West to hold Russia accountable for committing war crimes and provide countermeasures to help Ukraine protect its soldiers.