As the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict gets uglier, the United States accused Russia of using chemical weapons, including poisonous gas, chloropicrin. The State Department made allegations on Wednesday that Russia used chloropicrin, a “choking agent” against Ukrainian troops.&nbsp;

Chloropicrin was once widely used during World War I and has been banned since the culmination of war, under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which is an arms control treaty ratified by more than 150 countries, including Russia.&nbsp;

The State Department also said in its official statement that use of such chemicals by Russia is not an isolated incident and it had been using the gas to gain tactical gains over Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-uk-pm-boris-johnson-becomes-victim-of-his-own-voting-rule-heres-how-717624">Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson becomes victim of his own voting rule. Here's how</a>

This year we saw Russia&nbsp;pushing through several Ukrainian defences in the east by steadily capturing towns and villages.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russian ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov called these accusations “odious and unsubstantiated” in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

<h2>What is Chloropicrin? How harmful it can be?</h2>

Chloropicrin, also known as nitrochloroform, is a chemical compound made with the reaction of sodium hypochlorite and picric acid. It was first discovered in 1844 by Scottish chemist John Stenhouse through an experiment.&nbsp;

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has classified chloropicrin as a banned choking agent.&nbsp;

One of the earliest instances of the use of this banned chemical weapon was during World War I when German forces fired it against Allied troops.&nbsp;

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US accuses Russia of using banned chemical weapon 'Chloropicrin' 
 
The Kremlin has denied the accusation. 
 
Is the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaUkraineWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaUkraineWar</a> turning deadlier? <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivanChanana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivanChanana</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SaroyaHem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaroyaHem</a> bring you this report 
 
Watch more on <a href="https://t.co/dm7SyC01cG">https://t.co/dm7SyC01cG</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineWar</a> <a href="https://t.co/7sQXmEOYyW">pic.twitter.com/7sQXmEOYyW</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1786311901598691428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Initially, it was used as an herbicide, insecticide and nematicide in agriculture to fumigate the soil before planting a crop. Even the US allows the restricted use of chloropicrin as a pesticide. But, because of its toxicity and carcinogenicity, distribution and use of chloropicrin is available only to licensed professionals and specially certified growers who are trained in its proper and safe use.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e-coli-risk-prompts-recall-of-16000-pounds-of-ground-beef-sold-at-walmart-717657">E. coli risk prompts recall of 16,000 pounds of ground beef sold at Walmart</a>

When it comes to humans, chloropicrin can be very dangerous. It can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion and even through the skin. At high concentrations, it is severely irritating to the lungs, eyes and skin.&nbsp;

In World War I, German forces used concentrated chloropicrin against Allied forces as a tear gas. While it is not as lethal as other chemical weapons, but chloropicrin induced vomiting and forced Allied soldiers to remove their masks to vomit, exposing them to more toxic gases used as weapons during the war.

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In February 2024 as well, Ukrainian armed forces claimed Russia was using chloropicrin in K-51 grenades.

Some earlier evidence also shows that this choking agent and its derivative phosgene oxime have even damaged or compromised older versions of personal protective equipment. Some of the soldiers attacked mentioned a white smoke emerging from their gas masks.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict gets uglier, the United States accused Russia of using chemical weapons, including poisonous gas, chloropicrin. The State Department made allegations on Wednesday that Russia used chloropicrin, a “choking agent” against Ukrainian troops.

As the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict gets uglier, the United States accused Russia of using chemical weapons, including poisonous gas, chloropicrin. The State Department made allegations on Wednesday that Russia used chloropicrin, a “choking agent” against Ukrainian troops. Chloropicrin was once widely used during World War I and has been banned since the culmination of war, under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which is an arms control treaty ratified by more than 150 countries, including Russia. The State Department also said in its official statement that use of such chemicals by Russia is not an isolated incident and it had been using the gas to gain tactical gains over Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. Also Read | Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson becomes victim of his own voting rule. Here's how This year we saw Russia pushing through several Ukrainian defences in the east by steadily capturing towns and villages. Meanwhile, Russian ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov called these accusations “odious and unsubstantiated” in a post on the Telegram messaging app. What is Chloropicrin? How harmful it can be? Chloropicrin, also known as nitrochloroform, is a chemical compound made with the reaction of sodium hypochlorite and picric acid. It was first discovered in 1844 by Scottish chemist John Stenhouse through an experiment. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has classified chloropicrin as a banned choking agent. One of the earliest instances of the use of this banned chemical weapon was during World War I when German forces fired it against Allied troops. US accuses Russia of using banned chemical weapon 'Chloropicrin' The Kremlin has denied the accusation. Is the #RussiaUkraineWar turning deadlier? @ShivanChanana and @SaroyaHem bring you this report Watch more on https://t.co/dm7SyC01cG#UkraineWar pic.twitter.com/7sQXmEOYyW — WION (@WIONews) May 3, 2024 × Initially, it was used as an herbicide, insecticide and nematicide in agriculture to fumigate the soil before planting a crop. Even the US allows the restricted use of chloropicrin as a pesticide. But, because of its toxicity and carcinogenicity, distribution and use of chloropicrin is available only to licensed professionals and specially certified growers who are trained in its proper and safe use. Also Read | E. coli risk prompts recall of 16,000 pounds of ground beef sold at Walmart When it comes to humans, chloropicrin can be very dangerous. It can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion and even through the skin. At high concentrations, it is severely irritating to the lungs, eyes and skin. In World War I, German forces used concentrated chloropicrin against Allied forces as a tear gas. While it is not as lethal as other chemical weapons, but chloropicrin induced vomiting and forced Allied soldiers to remove their masks to vomit, exposing them to more toxic gases used as weapons during the war. Also Read | Big Nude Boat: A nude experience to set sail from Miami In February 2024 as well, Ukrainian armed forces claimed Russia was using chloropicrin in K-51 grenades. Some earlier evidence also shows that this choking agent and its derivative phosgene oxime have even damaged or compromised older versions of personal protective equipment. Some of the soldiers attacked mentioned a white smoke emerging from their gas masks. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Chloropicrin, the banned chemical gas Russia is accused of using in Ukraine? How harmful can it be?

In a bid to create a safer and more secure world, the United States, a country that has been trying to get rid of its chemical weapons for many years, has finally destroyed&nbsp;the last stockpile. With this, the world is now officially free of these toxic substances which have the potential to harm or even kill people. US President Joe Biden made an announcement on Friday, stating that the US has successfully destroyed its long-standing stockpiles of chemical weapons, fulfilling its commitment under the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention.

"Today, I am proud to announce that the United States has safely destroyed the final munition in that stockpile -- bringing us one step closer to a world free from the horrors of chemical weapons," Biden said in a statement.

However, the US stands last of eight nations to complete the destruction of its declared chemical weapons.&nbsp;The 1997 CWC is an international treaty that aimed to eliminate chemical weapons and prevent their proliferation. It was adopted and entered into force on April 29, 1997. The convention has been ratified by 193 states, making it one of the most widely supported disarmament agreements.

<h2>Milestone reached&nbsp;</h2>

This&nbsp;significant milestone was reached at the Bluegrass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in Kentucky.

The final munition, a rocket containing sarin nerve agent, was drained, chemically deactivated, and destroyed.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ditch-baggage-rent-clothes-what-is-the-new-trend-sparked-by-japan-airlines-613225">Ditch baggage, rent clothes: What is the new trend sparked by Japan Airlines?</a>

Kingston Reif, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Threat Reduction and Arms Control, who oversaw the process, confirmed that the destruction of this rocket signifies the elimination of "one hundred per cent of the world's declared chemical weapons," media reports said.&nbsp;

<h2>Chemical weapons in the past-WW I&nbsp;</h2>

World War I witnessed the widespread use of chemical weapons, marking the first large-scale deployment of these devastating agents in warfare.&nbsp;

The use of these toxic weapons during WWI had a devastating impact on soldiers and civilians alike. It caused widespread suffering, death, and long-term health issues for those exposed to these agents.

The horrors of chemical warfare in World War I led to increased international efforts to prohibit the use of such weapons, ultimately resulting in the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which aimed to ban the use of chemical and biological weapons.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-boss-prigozhin-never-went-to-belarus-used-body-double-to-appear-as-if-he-fled-us-official-613222">Wagner boss Prigozhin never went to Belarus, used body double to appear as if he fled Russia: US official</a>

Over 1.3 million soldiers were exposed to these weapons, resulting in the direct death of 100,000 individuals due to chemical attacks.

<h2>Chemical weapons in WW II&nbsp;</h2>

Unlike WW I, the use of chemical weapons in WW II was significantly limited. Although there were instances of chemical weapons being used or considered, their overall impact during the war was relatively minor. Nazi forces infamously used poisonous gas to murder millions of people in concentration camps.

<h2>Stockpiling of chemical weapons by nations&nbsp;</h2>

Nations stockpiled chemical weapons during WW II.

Watch | The unstoppable Chhetri

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During the Cold War, the United States and Russia amassed significant quantities of chemical weapons. By 1990, the United States possessed over 30,000 tonnes of chemical agents, while Russia likely had at least 40,000 tonnes, media reports said citing&nbsp;a professor of law at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, David Koplow.

<h2>Challenges faced by US in destroying chemical weapons</h2>

Disposing of chemical weapons presented numerous challenges for the US. These weapons consisted of hazardous chemicals and explosives packed into artillery shells, rockets, or bombs. They were not designed to be dismantled.

It faced opposition from local communities due to concerns about pollution. As a result, new techniques had to be developed.

For instance, mustard agent was broken down using bacteria, and sarin was chemically deactivated before destruction.

Aside from the technical difficulties, the chemical weapons elimination programme encountered issues related to inadequate funding and poor management, Koplow said.

Although some nations, such as Syria, Russia, and North Korea, have covertly used chemical weapons in recent years, these cases are isolated, reports said.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

In a bid to create a safer and more secure world, the United States, a country that has been trying to get rid of its chemical weapons for many years, has finally destroyed the last stockpile.

In a bid to create a safer and more secure world, the United States, a country that has been trying to get rid of its chemical weapons for many years, has finally destroyed the last stockpile. With this, the world is now officially free of these toxic substances which have the potential to harm or even kill people. US President Joe Biden made an announcement on Friday, stating that the US has successfully destroyed its long-standing stockpiles of chemical weapons, fulfilling its commitment under the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention. "Today, I am proud to announce that the United States has safely destroyed the final munition in that stockpile -- bringing us one step closer to a world free from the horrors of chemical weapons," Biden said in a statement. However, the US stands last of eight nations to complete the destruction of its declared chemical weapons. The 1997 CWC is an international treaty that aimed to eliminate chemical weapons and prevent their proliferation. It was adopted and entered into force on April 29, 1997. The convention has been ratified by 193 states, making it one of the most widely supported disarmament agreements. Milestone reached This significant milestone was reached at the Bluegrass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in Kentucky. The final munition, a rocket containing sarin nerve agent, was drained, chemically deactivated, and destroyed. Also Read | Ditch baggage, rent clothes: What is the new trend sparked by Japan Airlines? Kingston Reif, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Threat Reduction and Arms Control, who oversaw the process, confirmed that the destruction of this rocket signifies the elimination of "one hundred per cent of the world's declared chemical weapons," media reports said. Chemical weapons in the past-WW I World War I witnessed the widespread use of chemical weapons, marking the first large-scale deployment of these devastating agents in warfare. The use of these toxic weapons during WWI had a devastating impact on soldiers and civilians alike. It caused widespread suffering, death, and long-term health issues for those exposed to these agents. The horrors of chemical warfare in World War I led to increased international efforts to prohibit the use of such weapons, ultimately resulting in the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which aimed to ban the use of chemical and biological weapons. Also Read | Wagner boss Prigozhin never went to Belarus, used body double to appear as if he fled Russia: US official Over 1.3 million soldiers were exposed to these weapons, resulting in the direct death of 100,000 individuals due to chemical attacks. Chemical weapons in WW II Unlike WW I, the use of chemical weapons in WW II was significantly limited. Although there were instances of chemical weapons being used or considered, their overall impact during the war was relatively minor. Nazi forces infamously used poisonous gas to murder millions of people in concentration camps. Stockpiling of chemical weapons by nations Nations stockpiled chemical weapons during WW II. Watch | The unstoppable Chhetri × During the Cold War, the United States and Russia amassed significant quantities of chemical weapons. By 1990, the United States possessed over 30,000 tonnes of chemical agents, while Russia likely had at least 40,000 tonnes, media reports said citing a professor of law at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, David Koplow. Challenges faced by US in destroying chemical weapons Disposing of chemical weapons presented numerous challenges for the US. These weapons consisted of hazardous chemicals and explosives packed into artillery shells, rockets, or bombs. They were not designed to be dismantled. It faced opposition from local communities due to concerns about pollution. As a result, new techniques had to be developed. For instance, mustard agent was broken down using bacteria, and sarin was chemically deactivated before destruction. Aside from the technical difficulties, the chemical weapons elimination programme encountered issues related to inadequate funding and poor management, Koplow said. Although some nations, such as Syria, Russia, and North Korea, have covertly used chemical weapons in recent years, these cases are isolated, reports said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

World 'free' of chemical weapons as US destroys last stockpiles

Japan has banned the export of material that may be used for chemical weapons by Russian organizations and science laboratories. Japan's top government spokesperson expressed the country's grave concern regarding Russian threats to use nuclear weapons.

Japan bans export of chemical weapon goods to Russia, expresses concern over nuclear threats

In a recent TV interview, US President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin to not use tactical nuclear or chemical weapons in Ukraine as his side faces setbacks.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Biden was quizzed if Putin, aggrieved by the losses sustained on the battlefield against the Ukrainians in the last couple of weeks would think of unleashing chemical or tactical nuclear weapons.

"Don't. Don't. Don't. You will change the face of war unlike anything since World War II," said Biden in the interview.

When pressed further on what will be the consequences if Putin, inadvertently does take the step and cross the line, Biden remarked of Russia becoming a 'pariah' state.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"You think I would tell you if I knew exactly what it would be? Of course, I'm not gonna tell you. It'll be consequential.&nbsp;They'll become more of a pariah in the world than they ever have been. And depending on the extent of what they do will determine what response would occur." said the US President.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/203-days-of-russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-says-it-has-recaptured-8000-sq-km-of-area-in-kharkiv-515928">WATCH |&nbsp;203 days of Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv says it has recaptured 8,000 sq km of area in Kharkiv</a>

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In the last few days, the White House has also taken a rather aggressive stance in calling out Putin on the public platform. After Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised Putin that&nbsp;'today's era is not of war', Washington&nbsp;quickly&nbsp;jumped in on the conversation and gave its version to Moscow.

"He (Putin) is only further isolating himself from the international community. We don't believe that now's the time to be doing any business as usual with Russia with respect to what they're doing in Ukraine." said&nbsp;John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House.

Additionally, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world.&nbsp;

“What you're hearing from China, from India, is reflective of concerns around the world about the effects of Russia's aggression on Ukraine.” said Blinken.

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-is-isolating-himself-white-house-weighs-in-after-pm-modis-message-to-putin-517008">&nbsp;'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President</a>

It is pertinent to note that ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in February earlier this year, it had been on the ascendency. However, the last couple of weeks has come as a rude shocker to Moscow.

The Russian troops in the Kharkiv region were forced to pull back as the Ukrainians launched a collective and sustained military effort. According to&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has liberated more than 8,000 square km (3,100 square miles) of Ukrainian territory during&nbsp;this month alone. The victories have apparently all been in the northeastern region of Kharkiv.

Read more: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-aims-to-free-all-russian-occupied-areas-after-recapturing-8000-sq-km-515931">Ukraine aims to free all Russian-occupied areas after recapturing 8,000 sq km</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

In a recent TV interview, US President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin to not use tactical nuclear or chemical weapons in Ukraine as his side faces setbacks.

In a recent TV interview, US President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin to not use tactical nuclear or chemical weapons in Ukraine as his side faces setbacks. Reportedly, Biden was quizzed if Putin, aggrieved by the losses sustained on the battlefield against the Ukrainians in the last couple of weeks would think of unleashing chemical or tactical nuclear weapons. "Don't. Don't. Don't. You will change the face of war unlike anything since World War II," said Biden in the interview. When pressed further on what will be the consequences if Putin, inadvertently does take the step and cross the line, Biden remarked of Russia becoming a 'pariah' state. "You think I would tell you if I knew exactly what it would be? Of course, I'm not gonna tell you. It'll be consequential. They'll become more of a pariah in the world than they ever have been. And depending on the extent of what they do will determine what response would occur." said the US President. WATCH | 203 days of Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv says it has recaptured 8,000 sq km of area in Kharkiv × In the last few days, the White House has also taken a rather aggressive stance in calling out Putin on the public platform. After Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised Putin that 'today's era is not of war', Washington quickly jumped in on the conversation and gave its version to Moscow. "He (Putin) is only further isolating himself from the international community. We don't believe that now's the time to be doing any business as usual with Russia with respect to what they're doing in Ukraine." said John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House. Additionally, US secretary of state Antony Blinken stated that what India and China communicated to Russia reflected the concerns of the world. “What you're hearing from China, from India, is reflective of concerns around the world about the effects of Russia's aggression on Ukraine.” said Blinken. Read more: 'Putin is isolating himself', says White House stressing on PM Modi's message to Russian President It is pertinent to note that ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in February earlier this year, it had been on the ascendency. However, the last couple of weeks has come as a rude shocker to Moscow. The Russian troops in the Kharkiv region were forced to pull back as the Ukrainians launched a collective and sustained military effort. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has liberated more than 8,000 square km (3,100 square miles) of Ukrainian territory during this month alone. The victories have apparently all been in the northeastern region of Kharkiv. Read more: Ukraine aims to free all Russian-occupied areas after recapturing 8,000 sq km (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Don't. Don't. Don't,' Biden warns Putin to not use nuclear or chemical weapons against Ukraine

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The White House has warned that Russia may attack Ukraine with chemical or biological weapons while rejecting Russia’s allegation that US is supporting the bioweapons programme in Kyiv.

Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of running chemical and biological weapons labs with U.S. support.

Responding to the claims, White House press secretary Jen Psaki termed the allegations “preposterous” and said it could be part of an attempt by Russia to lay the groundwork for its own use of such weapons of mass destruction against Ukraine.

They said they were "very concerned" about the risk the war could escalate, and particularly the possibility of Russia using non-conventional weapons.

“This is all an obvious ploy by Russia to try to justify its further premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine,” Psaki tweeted on Wednesday.

“Now that Russia has made these false claims, and China has seemingly endorsed this propaganda, we should all be on the lookout for Russia to possibly use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine, or to create a false flag operation using them,” she said.

Also watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-before-and-after-satellite-images-show-destruction-in-ukraines-mariupol-460931">&nbsp;Before and after images show destruction in Ukraine's Mariupol</a>

On Wednesday, the UK Ministry of Defence in a tweet claimed that Russia had used thermobaric rockets, also known as vacuum bombs, in Ukraine.

Thermobaric munition is said to be more powerful than any other conventional weapon, and many regard it as the "father of all bombs."

The bomb sucks in oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a high-temperature explosion. &nbsp;

It produces a blast wave of a longer duration than that of a conventional explosive and can vaporise human bodies. &nbsp;

Also watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-vacuum-and-cluster-bombs-and-is-russia-using-them-against-ukraine-458638">What are ‘vacuum’ and cluster bombs and is Russia using them against Ukraine?</a>

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Turkey's southern city of Antalya on Wednesday to take part in the peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv scheduled Thursday, reported news agency Reuters.

The meeting between Lavrov and his counterpart Dmytro Kuleba will be the first between the nation's top diplomats since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is brokering peace talks between both nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The White House has warned that Russia may attack Ukraine with chemical or biological weapons while rejecting Russia’s allegation that US is supporting the bioweapons programme in Kyiv. Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of running chemical and biological weapons labs with U.S. support. Responding to the claims, White House press secretary Jen Psaki termed the allegations “preposterous” and said it could be part of an attempt by Russia to lay the groundwork for its own use of such weapons of mass destruction against Ukraine. They said they were "very concerned" about the risk the war could escalate, and particularly the possibility of Russia using non-conventional weapons. “This is all an obvious ploy by Russia to try to justify its further premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine,” Psaki tweeted on Wednesday. “Now that Russia has made these false claims, and China has seemingly endorsed this propaganda, we should all be on the lookout for Russia to possibly use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine, or to create a false flag operation using them,” she said. Also watch | Before and after images show destruction in Ukraine's Mariupol On Wednesday, the UK Ministry of Defence in a tweet claimed that Russia had used thermobaric rockets, also known as vacuum bombs, in Ukraine. Thermobaric munition is said to be more powerful than any other conventional weapon, and many regard it as the "father of all bombs." The bomb sucks in oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a high-temperature explosion. It produces a blast wave of a longer duration than that of a conventional explosive and can vaporise human bodies. Also watch | What are ‘vacuum’ and cluster bombs and is Russia using them against Ukraine? Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Turkey's southern city of Antalya on Wednesday to take part in the peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv scheduled Thursday, reported news agency Reuters. The meeting between Lavrov and his counterpart Dmytro Kuleba will be the first between the nation's top diplomats since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is brokering peace talks between both nations. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia may attack Ukraine with chemical weapons, claims White House

World powers urged the global chemical weapons watchdog on Tuesday to hit Syria with unprecedented sanctions for alleged toxic gas attacks and for failing to declare its arsenal. 
 
Syria faces the loss of its "rights and privileges" at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) after a probe found it had carried out three attacks in 2017. 
 
The regulator's 193 member states are expected to vote on Wednesday on a proposal by France, backed by 46 countries, that would include freezing Syria's voting rights at the Netherlands-based body. 
 
Syria and its ally Russia dismissed the sanctions threat, accusing Western powers of using the Hague-based OPCW as a "propaganda tool" to undermine Damascus in its ten-year civil war. 
 
"We cannot let this tragedy go on for another decade," French OPCW ambassador Luis Vassy told the watchdog. 
 
"We find ourselves in an exceptional situation, which demands that we take action accordingly." 
 
It would be the first time a country had faced such punishment in the history of the OPCW, which was founded nearly a quarter of a century ago to rid the world of chemical weapons.

Sarin and chlorine 
The regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad agreed in 2013 to join the OPCW and give up all chemical weapons, following a suspected sarin nerve gas attack that killed 1,400 people in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta. 
 
But an OPCW investigation found in April last year that the Syrian air force was responsible for three attacks on the village of Lataminah in 2017 using sarin and chlorine gas. 
 
Damascus then failed to adhere to a 90-day deadline to declare the weapons used in the attacks, reveal its remaining stocks and comply with OPCW inspections. 
 
France in response submitted the motion calling for Syria to be punished. 
 
Pressure mounted on Damascus last week after a second OPCW investigation found a Syrian helicopter dropped a chlorine bomb on the rebel-held town of Saraqib in 2018. 
 
OPCW Director General Fernando Arias said on Tuesday that Syria's responses to questions about its chemical weapons still "cannot be considered accurate and complete" despite years of inspections. 
 
In the most recent example, the OPCW had opened a new inquiry after Damascus gave "insufficient" explanations for the discovery of chemicals in September 2020 at a site where it had denied making toxic arms. 
 
The UN recently said Damascus has for years not replied to a series of 19 questions about its weapons installations.

'Hostile agenda' 
Syria slammed the "pompous" French statement, likening the situation to the false allegations about weapons of mass destruction before the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. 
 
"We deny that we have ever used toxic gases," Syria's OPCW ambassador Rania Alrifaiy said. 
 
"I call on you to vote no, to reject the hostile agenda against Syria," she said. 
 
Russia also rejected the move to punish its ally. 
 
"This is very serious. We've never had this kind of a case before where a state party was deprived of their privileges and rights," Russian ambassador Alexander Shulgin said. 
 
France however said countries should not be "duped" by claims that Syria would be frozen out of the OPCW, and that Syria would still be able to speak there even though it could not vote. 
 
Moscow and Damascus allege the OPCW has become "politicised", especially since it gained new powers in 2018 to identify the perpetrators of attacks. Previously it could only say whether or not chemical arms had been used. 
 
Russia meanwhile also faces pressure at the OPCW over last year's Novichok nerve agent poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny. 
 
The OPCW has been a backdrop for growing tensions between Russia and the West, with the Netherlands in 2018 expelling four alleged Russian spies whom it accused of trying to hack the watchdog's computers. 
 
The organisation won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its work in destroying the world's stocks of chemical weapons.

World powers urged the global chemical weapons watchdog on Tuesday to hit Syria with unprecedented sanctions for alleged toxic gas attacks and for failing to declare its arsenal.

World powers urged the global chemical weapons watchdog on Tuesday to hit Syria with unprecedented sanctions for alleged toxic gas attacks and for failing to declare its arsenal. Syria faces the loss of its "rights and privileges" at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) after a probe found it had carried out three attacks in 2017. The regulator's 193 member states are expected to vote on Wednesday on a proposal by France, backed by 46 countries, that would include freezing Syria's voting rights at the Netherlands-based body. Syria and its ally Russia dismissed the sanctions threat, accusing Western powers of using the Hague-based OPCW as a "propaganda tool" to undermine Damascus in its ten-year civil war. "We cannot let this tragedy go on for another decade," French OPCW ambassador Luis Vassy told the watchdog. "We find ourselves in an exceptional situation, which demands that we take action accordingly." It would be the first time a country had faced such punishment in the history of the OPCW, which was founded nearly a quarter of a century ago to rid the world of chemical weapons. Sarin and chlorine The regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad agreed in 2013 to join the OPCW and give up all chemical weapons, following a suspected sarin nerve gas attack that killed 1,400 people in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta. But an OPCW investigation found in April last year that the Syrian air force was responsible for three attacks on the village of Lataminah in 2017 using sarin and chlorine gas. Damascus then failed to adhere to a 90-day deadline to declare the weapons used in the attacks, reveal its remaining stocks and comply with OPCW inspections. France in response submitted the motion calling for Syria to be punished. Pressure mounted on Damascus last week after a second OPCW investigation found a Syrian helicopter dropped a chlorine bomb on the rebel-held town of Saraqib in 2018. OPCW Director General Fernando Arias said on Tuesday that Syria's responses to questions about its chemical weapons still "cannot be considered accurate and complete" despite years of inspections. In the most recent example, the OPCW had opened a new inquiry after Damascus gave "insufficient" explanations for the discovery of chemicals in September 2020 at a site where it had denied making toxic arms. The UN recently said Damascus has for years not replied to a series of 19 questions about its weapons installations. 'Hostile agenda' Syria slammed the "pompous" French statement, likening the situation to the false allegations about weapons of mass destruction before the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. "We deny that we have ever used toxic gases," Syria's OPCW ambassador Rania Alrifaiy said. "I call on you to vote no, to reject the hostile agenda against Syria," she said. Russia also rejected the move to punish its ally. "This is very serious. We've never had this kind of a case before where a state party was deprived of their privileges and rights," Russian ambassador Alexander Shulgin said. France however said countries should not be "duped" by claims that Syria would be frozen out of the OPCW, and that Syria would still be able to speak there even though it could not vote. Moscow and Damascus allege the OPCW has become "politicised", especially since it gained new powers in 2018 to identify the perpetrators of attacks. Previously it could only say whether or not chemical arms had been used. Russia meanwhile also faces pressure at the OPCW over last year's Novichok nerve agent poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny. The OPCW has been a backdrop for growing tensions between Russia and the West, with the Netherlands in 2018 expelling four alleged Russian spies whom it accused of trying to hack the watchdog's computers. The organisation won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its work in destroying the world's stocks of chemical weapons.

Chemical weapons watchdog weighs imposing sanctions on Syria

The Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) today rejected Pakistan's allegation of Indian security forces using chemical weapons in Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K).

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Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal had on Thursday alleged that Indian security forces were reportedly using chemical weapons against Kashmiris in J&amp;K.&nbsp;

"Such allegations are not new and are totally unfounded," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

"We completely reject allegations made by Pakistan about the reported use of chemical weapons by the Indian security forces against Indian citizens," the MEA spokesman&nbsp;said.

India is the original signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) with the international community recognising India’s abiding commitment to the CWC which is the universal multilateral instrument prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, the MEA said, adding that India has repeatedly stated its complete opposition to the use of chemical weapons.

"It is of deep concern that Pakistan repeatedly tries to make such false allegations. They are acting in a highly irresponsible manner with the sole purpose of repeating untruths in the vain hope that the international community will start believing in their falsehood," the MEA spokesman said.

The Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) today rejected Pakistan's allegation of Indian security forces using chemical weapons in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). Also Read: In video, terrorists in J&K order ex-sarpanch to tell son to quit police job Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal had on Thursday alleged that Indian security forces were reportedly using chemical weapons against Kashmiris in J&K.

The Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) today rejected Pakistan's allegation of Indian security forces using chemical weapons in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). Also Read: In video, terrorists in J&K order ex-sarpanch to tell son to quit police job Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal had on Thursday alleged that Indian security forces were reportedly using chemical weapons against Kashmiris in J&K. "Such allegations are not new and are totally unfounded," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. "We completely reject allegations made by Pakistan about the reported use of chemical weapons by the Indian security forces against Indian citizens," the MEA spokesman said. India is the original signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) with the international community recognising India’s abiding commitment to the CWC which is the universal multilateral instrument prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, the MEA said, adding that India has repeatedly stated its complete opposition to the use of chemical weapons. "It is of deep concern that Pakistan repeatedly tries to make such false allegations. They are acting in a highly irresponsible manner with the sole purpose of repeating untruths in the vain hope that the international community will start believing in their falsehood," the MEA spokesman said.

Completely reject Pak allegation on security forces using chemical weapons in J&K: India

French Mirage and Rafale fighter jets were involved in the air strikes on Syria together with four frigate warships, a presidency source said on Saturday.

The source said that the strikes were aimed at a research centre and two production sites.

The attack arsenal included an air defence frigate, three multi-mission frigates, Mirage 2000 jets, Rafale, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) and support and supply assistance, the source said.

Air strikes are over but the military is ready to act upon request, added the source. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

A presidency source said that the strikes were aimed at a research centre and two production sites

French Mirage and Rafale fighter jets were involved in the air strikes on Syria together with four frigate warships, a presidency source said on Saturday. The source said that the strikes were aimed at a research centre and two production sites. The attack arsenal included an air defence frigate, three multi-mission frigates, Mirage 2000 jets, Rafale, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) and support and supply assistance, the source said. Air strikes are over but the military is ready to act upon request, added the source. (With inputs from Reuters)

French Mirage, Rafale jets and frigates involved in Syria strikes: Source

The Islamic State is likely to mustard gas as the Iraqi forces advance to re-take Mosul, IS group&#39;s last main stronghold in Iraq, a Pentagon spokeman said on Monday. 
 
&quot;We can fully expect that as this road towards Mosul progresses, ISIL is likely to try to use it again,&quot; Jeff Davis was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp; 
 
Davis said that IS&#39;s ability to weaponise mustard agent has been rudimentary. Their mustard gas is typically a powder bound together with tar. The gas is more of an irritant than lethal, Davis said. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s not generally in a lethal concentration. It&#39;s more of an irritant than anything else, but again, not something we view as militarily significant,&quot; he said, noting that the gas form of mustard agent used in the First World War was far more lethal, Reuters reported. 
 
&quot;We recognise this is real. They&#39;re dead set on it. They would love to be able to use chemical weapons against us, against the Iraqis as they move forward. We are making every effort to make sure that we&#39;re ready for it.&quot; 
 
Davis added that Iraqi soldiers have been given training and have practiced to be in a situation of exposure to the IS chemical weapon. The United states has provided more than 50,000 gas masks to the Iraqi forces, he said. 
 
&quot;We want to make sure that the Iraqi security forces and the Peshmergas (Kurdish fighters) have the ability to detect this and to defend against it,&quot; Davis said. 
 
A rocket was launched, with a possible chemical agent, against US soldiers at a base near Qayyarah, a northern town in Iraq. The Pentagon suspects that the IS group used mustard gas in the attack last week. 
 
Hundreds of US troops are working to prepare an airfield for an Iraqi offensive to recapture the city of Mosul neat the base, Reuters reported. 
 
Iraqi security forces, backed by US-led coalition air power, are in the final weeks of preparing operations ahead of an assault to recapture Mosul, according to AFP.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

According to the spokesman, the IS group's mustard gas is 'not generally in a lethal concentration' but more of an irritant

The Islamic State is likely to mustard gas as the Iraqi forces advance to re-take Mosul, IS group's last main stronghold in Iraq, a Pentagon spokeman said on Monday. "We can fully expect that as this road towards Mosul progresses, ISIL is likely to try to use it again," Jeff Davis was quoted as saying by AFP. Davis said that IS's ability to weaponise mustard agent has been rudimentary. Their mustard gas is typically a powder bound together with tar. The gas is more of an irritant than lethal, Davis said. "It's not generally in a lethal concentration. It's more of an irritant than anything else, but again, not something we view as militarily significant," he said, noting that the gas form of mustard agent used in the First World War was far more lethal, Reuters reported. "We recognise this is real. They're dead set on it. They would love to be able to use chemical weapons against us, against the Iraqis as they move forward. We are making every effort to make sure that we're ready for it." Davis added that Iraqi soldiers have been given training and have practiced to be in a situation of exposure to the IS chemical weapon. The United states has provided more than 50,000 gas masks to the Iraqi forces, he said. "We want to make sure that the Iraqi security forces and the Peshmergas (Kurdish fighters) have the ability to detect this and to defend against it," Davis said. A rocket was launched, with a possible chemical agent, against US soldiers at a base near Qayyarah, a northern town in Iraq. The Pentagon suspects that the IS group used mustard gas in the attack last week. Hundreds of US troops are working to prepare an airfield for an Iraqi offensive to recapture the city of Mosul neat the base, Reuters reported. Iraqi security forces, backed by US-led coalition air power, are in the final weeks of preparing operations ahead of an assault to recapture Mosul, according to AFP. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Pentagon: Islamic State could use mustard gas to defend Mosul

Syrian government&#39;s suspected chlorine gas attack on a rebel-held&nbsp;Aleppo neighbourhood has left one dead and&nbsp;more than 70 people complaining of breathing problems, Al Jazeera reported. 
 
President Bashar al-Assad&#39;s regime used a chopper to&nbsp;drop two barrel bombs containing chlorine gas on residents, Al Jazeera quoted rescue workers as saying.&nbsp; 
 
Images tweeted by Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) showed children being treated for suffocation.&nbsp; 
 
Although chlorine gas is not technically a chemical weapon, it has caused destruction&nbsp;wherever they have been used. 
 
Before this, there have been two chlorine gas attacks in Syria,&nbsp;the first being in rebel-held Kafr Zita two years back. That time there were contrasting reports about who had done it, although the Syrian government was blamed in some quarters. 
 
Aleppo has been ravaged by war ever since a US-Russia truce crumbled in February. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate the city ever since the war started in 2012.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, fighting raged on in the northwestern province of Idlib, which is largely controlled by the rebels. Eight people, including two children, died due to regime air strikes.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Rescue activists say a Syrian regime helicopter dropped two barrel bombs containing chlorine gas on a rebel-held Aleppo neighbourhood

Syrian government's suspected chlorine gas attack on a rebel-held Aleppo neighbourhood has left one dead and more than 70 people complaining of breathing problems, Al Jazeera reported. President Bashar al-Assad's regime used a chopper to drop two barrel bombs containing chlorine gas on residents, Al Jazeera quoted rescue workers as saying. Images tweeted by Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) showed children being treated for suffocation. Although chlorine gas is not technically a chemical weapon, it has caused destruction wherever they have been used. Before this, there have been two chlorine gas attacks in Syria, the first being in rebel-held Kafr Zita two years back. That time there were contrasting reports about who had done it, although the Syrian government was blamed in some quarters. Aleppo has been ravaged by war ever since a US-Russia truce crumbled in February. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate the city ever since the war started in 2012. Meanwhile, fighting raged on in the northwestern province of Idlib, which is largely controlled by the rebels. Eight people, including two children, died due to regime air strikes. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Suspected chlorine gas attack in Syria leaves dozens suffocated

After a scathing investigation by the United Nation (UN), the White House said Wednesday it was &quot;impossible to deny&quot; that Syria had launched chemical weapon attacks, while calling for President Bashar al-Assad`s regime to be held accountable. 
 
A UN investigation has established that Assad&#39;s regime and Islamic State group jihadists carried out chemical weapons attacks in Syria, France&#39;s deputy ambassador said Wednesday. 
 
The report by the investigative panel &quot;states clearly that the Syrian regime and Daesh have perpetrated chemical attacks in Syria,&quot; Alexis Lamek told reporters, using an alternative name for the group.&nbsp;Most of the cases investigated pointed to the alleged use of chlorine gas in barrel bombs dropped from helicopters. 
 
The investigation panel was able to identify the perpetrators of three chemical attacks carried out in 2014 and 2015, but was unable to draw any conclusions in the other six cases that it has been investigating over the past year. 
 
&quot;It is now impossible to deny that the Syrian regime has repeatedly used industrial chlorine as a weapon against its own people,&quot; National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said reacting to the investigation.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The United States will work with our international partners to seek accountability through appropriate diplomatic mechanisms, including through the United Nations Security Council.&quot; 
 
Price said the findings &quot;present yet another opportunity for all nations to speak with one voice to address these heinous crimes and to make it clear that the use of chemical weapons is intolerable.&quot; 
 
That is likely to be seen as a veiled message to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, among others. 
 
The White House is turning up the diplomatic heat as Putin prepares to travel to the G20 in China and UN General Assembly in New York in the coming weeks. 
 
President Barack Obama recently warned Russia it faces fierce international rebuke if it continues to make common cause with Syria`s brutal regime. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

A UN investigation has established that President Assad's regime and the IS carried out chemical weapons attacks in the country

After a scathing investigation by the United Nation (UN), the White House said Wednesday it was "impossible to deny" that Syria had launched chemical weapon attacks, while calling for President Bashar al-Assad`s regime to be held accountable. A UN investigation has established that Assad's regime and Islamic State group jihadists carried out chemical weapons attacks in Syria, France's deputy ambassador said Wednesday. The report by the investigative panel "states clearly that the Syrian regime and Daesh have perpetrated chemical attacks in Syria," Alexis Lamek told reporters, using an alternative name for the group. Most of the cases investigated pointed to the alleged use of chlorine gas in barrel bombs dropped from helicopters. The investigation panel was able to identify the perpetrators of three chemical attacks carried out in 2014 and 2015, but was unable to draw any conclusions in the other six cases that it has been investigating over the past year. "It is now impossible to deny that the Syrian regime has repeatedly used industrial chlorine as a weapon against its own people," National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said reacting to the investigation. "The United States will work with our international partners to seek accountability through appropriate diplomatic mechanisms, including through the United Nations Security Council." Price said the findings "present yet another opportunity for all nations to speak with one voice to address these heinous crimes and to make it clear that the use of chemical weapons is intolerable." That is likely to be seen as a veiled message to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, among others. The White House is turning up the diplomatic heat as Putin prepares to travel to the G20 in China and UN General Assembly in New York in the coming weeks. President Barack Obama recently warned Russia it faces fierce international rebuke if it continues to make common cause with Syria`s brutal regime. (AFP)

After scathing investigation, US says 'impossible to deny' Syria launched chemical weapon attacks

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