President Zelensky Warns Russia's Possibility Of Using Chemical Weapons, Pentagon Monitors Situation Closely

Presiden Ukraina Volodymyr Zelensky. (Wikimedia Commons/President Of Ukraine)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia could use chemical weapons in Ukraine, calling on the West to impose tough sanctions on Moscow that would hinder talks on using those weapons.

There were unconfirmed reports on Monday indicating that chemical weapons were used in the port city of Mariupol, in besieged southern Ukraine.

"We take this very seriously," Zelensky said in a video of his evening speech on Monday, April 12.

However, President Zelensky did not say chemical weapons had been used.

"I would like to remind world leaders that the possible use of chemical weapons by the Russian military was discussed. And at that time, it meant the need to react to Russian aggression harder and faster," President Zelensky said.

Petro Andryushchenko, an aide to the mayor of Mariupol, wrote on his Telegram channel that reports of a chemical attack had not been confirmed and he hoped to provide details and clarifications later.

Separately, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said the United States was aware of the report.

"We cannot confirm at this time and will continue to monitor the situation closely," Kirby said.

"These reports, if true, are deeply concerning and reflect the concerns we have about Russia's potential to use various riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemicals, in Ukraine," he said.

The Russian invasion, which has killed thousands and displaced millions, has shifted from the Kyiv gateway to eastern Ukraine, with a major offensive expected there.

Meanwhile, the European Union said on Monday more sanctions against Russia were an option.

"It is time to make this package in such a way that we will not hear, even a word about weapons of mass destruction from the Russian side," President Zelensky said.

"The oil embargo against Russia is a must. Any new package of sanctions against Russia that does not affect oil will be received in Moscow with a smile," he stressed.