Chemical weapons, missiles and other risks: The Defence Ministry explains why it is too early to return

OLENA ROSCHINA - WEDNESDAY,13 APRIL, 2022, 11:22

WAR, ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO OF THE GENERAL STAFF

Ukrainian regions liberated from the Russians face a risk of renewed fighting, and missile strikes and the use of chemical weapons threaten the whole country, so those who have left their homes should not be returning.

Source: Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Hanna Malyar on a joint broadcast of Ukrainian TV channels

Quote: "We understand that the risk of renewed aggressive action not only in the east but in other regions is possible - we are considering such scenarios.

Today, the key task for Russian troops is the east of Ukraine. They are trying to gain a foothold on the geographical borders of Luhansk and Donetsk regions. They are currently considering using their armed forces in Kherson and Kharkiv regions.

But, at the same time, there is a possible threat to other regions of Ukraine. Therefore, today you should not relax. The war is in its active phase now. We cannot say that activity is declining, that fighting is declining – the fighting is ongoing, it's just that it is happening in the east and very fierce fighting is going on.

Depending on how things develop in other regions, it will become clear whether the enemy is moving forward. At present, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are doing everything possible to prevent the enemy from advancing deep into the territory of Ukraine."

Details: At the request of the presenter, Malyar confirmed that it is precisely due to the risk of a renewed attack on Kyiv and other liberated regions that the authorities are calling on the residents not to return.

Quote by Malyar: "These are absolutely sound appeals. It is indeed too early to return, in particular to the capital. And we must not forget that today there is a high risk of the possibility of Russia using chemical weapons in Ukraine overall, because they are considering such scenarios.

And despite the fact that they have already fired more than a thousand missiles into Ukraine, they still have a huge arsenal. Therefore, today all the risks remain. As long as the war is ongoing, the risks are ongoing."

Background: Mircea Geoană, NATO Deputy Secretary General, expressed the opinion that the second stage of the war in Ukraine is inevitable, that it will take place over a wider front and will be more bloody.

The United States is predicting a long-term war between Russia and Ukraine, and according to media reports, they are already thinking about stockpiling weapons in case the war in Ukraine lasts for years.