Orange 'Dokgureum' traps Ukraine sky... "Russian forces detonate toxic nitrate tank"

Eng "If true, all responses will be considered"

On the 11th (local time), a toxic cloud rose after a nitrate tank explosion in Rubizhne, Luhansk Oblast, Donbas region, Ukraine. /Video=Official Instagram of Ukraine

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Following the Russian military's attack on a nitric acid tank in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine on the 5th, suspicions have arisen again that Russian forces used chemical weapons.

On the 11th (local time), Ukrainian authorities posted on their official Instagram, "The Russian military detonated a second toxic nitric acid tank in Rubizhne, Luhansk Oblast, Donbas region. This is extremely dangerous to human respiratory systems," attaching a short video capturing the moment of the explosion.

The video shows a shell, presumed to have been fired by the Russian military, hitting the nitric acid tank precisely, causing a massive orange toxic cloud to rise and cover the sky over the area. According to footage taken by a drone from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), red smoke is seen spreading around the vicinity.

Previously, on the 5th, the Russian military also attacked a nitric acid tank in the same area. At that time, Serhiy Haidai, governor of Luhansk Oblast, warned, "Do not leave shelters and if indoors, close windows and doors," adding, "Contact with or inhalation of nitric acid is extremely dangerous. Exposure can cause dizziness, bronchitis, skin burns, eye burns, mucous membrane burns, and vision loss."

According to local media, there were no reported deaths from this explosion. However, an anonymous source stated, "Several houses were destroyed by Russian shelling, and four people, including one child, were injured."

Meanwhile, regarding this matter, James Heappey, UK Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, said on the 12th (local time), "If evidence emerges that Russia has used chemical weapons, the international community will consider all options in response," adding, "If the use is confirmed as fact, it will be a very significant moment for the Prime Minister (Boris Johnson) and other world leaders."

However, he noted that neither British intelligence nor sources within Ukraine have yet confirmed the use, stating, "We are urgently working to verify the facts."

The United States is also closely monitoring the situation. John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, said, "Reports that Russian forces used chemical weapons in Mariupol have not yet been confirmed. We will monitor the situation closely."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.