Russia Claims to Have Found Laboratory Used by Ukraine to Produce Toxic Substances in Avdeyevka

Illustration. (Unsplash/JF Martin)

JAKARTA - The head of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, said on Monday that a Ukrainian chemical laboratory for the production of toxic substances was discovered at one of the sites near the Avdeyevka settlement in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).

"During engineering reconnaissance at one of the sites near Avdeyevka, a laboratory with chemical equipment was discovered on the ground floor of a destroyed building in the industrial zone. A mobile diagnostic group of the Russian radiation, chemical and biological protection troops was sent to the scene to inspect the premises and conduct rapid analysis," the Russian general said at a press conference, as reported by TASS on July 9.

The Russian mobile group found gas masks, including US-made respirators and Polish-made protective suits inside the laboratory. Analysis of the contents of the containers revealed the presence of sulfuric acid and sodium cyanide, indicating that "the discovered equipment was used to produce toxic substances," he said.

"Analytical studies in laboratory conditions showed the presence of sodium cyanide, sulfuric acid, and small amounts of cyanide in the samples. The presence of these chemicals clearly indicates that the discovered laboratory was producing toxic systemic agents," Lt. Gen. Kirillov said.

The capacity of the laboratory unit was at least 3 kg/day. It was staffed by a staff of 2-3 people, he said.

"I would like to emphasize that the lethal inhalation dose for this group of toxic substances is very low and is only 70-80 mg per person," Kirillov said.

Under the Chemical Weapons Convention, the substance of this group, prussic acid, is listed in Schedule 3 of the CWC and its use is prohibited under Article 1 of the Convention, he stressed.

This compound is a colorless volatile liquid with the smell of bitter almonds. If inhaled, it can cause dizziness, rapid breathing, vomiting, convulsions, respiratory paralysis, and death, he said.