Russia isn't likely to use chemical weapons in Ukraine – unless Putin grows desperate

Ukrainians walk in the besieged city of Mariupol, where there are reports of a possible chemical attack. Victor/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Reports emerged from Ukraine on April 11, 2022, alleging that Russia had used a drone to drop an unknown chemical agent in the besieged southern city of Mariupol.

There has been no official confirmation of these reports as of April 12. But the Pentagon has said the news reflects U.S. concern about Russia’s “potential to use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, in Ukraine.”