Elena Teslova
16 March 2022•Update: 17 March 2022
MOSCOW/KYIV, Ukraine
Russia said on Wednesday that it had warned the US against "provocations" with biological and chemical weapons in Ukraine.
"The American side was pointed out to the inadmissibility of planning and inciting provocations with the use of weapons of mass destruction in Ukraine, including biological and chemical weapons," Russia's Security Council said in a statement after a phone call between its head, Nikolay Patrushev, and US National Security advisor Jake Sullivan.
Patrushev urged Sullivan for the US to use its influence on Kyiv to make progress in resolving the Ukrainian crisis diplomatically as soon as possible, instead of pushing Ukrainian authorities to delay peace talks.
"Russia's position on the inadmissibility of attempts to delay the negotiation process, undertaken by Kyiv on instructions from outside, has been brought to Washington," the statement said.
In addition, Patrushev called on the US to stop supporting "neo-Nazis and terrorists in Ukraine," sending foreign "mercenaries" and arms to Ukraine as these steps will only lead to further escalation.
Meanwhile, Ukraine denied the allegations made by the Russian Defense Ministry.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said the "fake" allegations do not reflect the truth and are aimed at diverting attention from Russia’s war crimes.
“Officially, we note: the SBU, even, in theory, cannot be preparing any provocations involving toxic substances,” Ukraine’s news agency Ukrinform reported.
“That’s because we don’t act the same way as occupiers! Our task is to protect Ukraine,” it said. “And we are fulfilling it successfully, alongside our entire nation. And the invaders and occupiers will definitely be held accountable for their atrocities!”
Russia's war against Ukraine, which began Feb. 24, has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia.
At least 726 civilians have been killed and 1,174 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war.
More than 3 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries, according to the UN.
