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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims 'tens of thousands of people' have likely been killed in Mariupol following Russia's alleged use of chemical weapons, torture and executions.
Reports from Reuters confirmed there has been relentless bombardment and destruction in the city as bodies of soldiers and civilians have been sighted in the streets.
The leader of Ukraine said in a video address to South Korean lawmakers yesterday (Monday, April 11): "Mariupol has been destroyed, there are tens of thousands of dead, but even despite this, the Russians are not stopping their offensive."
His message reportedly confirmed the largest number of dead Ukrainian citizens in one place since war broke out on February 24.
However, the number hasn't yet been confirmed by further sources.
But the head of the Russia-backed self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, Denis Pushilin, told Russia's RIA news agency that more than 5,000 people may have been killed in Mariupol but insists Ukrainian forces were responsible.
The news comes after reports emerged that Vladimir Putin had allegedly unleashed chemical weapons on the city of Mariupol.
The "poisonous substance" which is from an "unknown origin" was used to target civilians and is reported to have left people suffering from respiratory failure and neurological problems.
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The Azov Regiment in Mariupol reports what could be the Russian use of chemical weapons against the entrenched Ukrainian garrison in the city.
The Regiment's report reads: "The victims have respiratory failure, vestibulo-atactic syndrome.
"The consequences of using an unknown substance are being clarified."
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President Joe Biden has previously warned Russia it would pay a "severe price" if it uses chemical weapons against Ukraine.
He did not expand on what the consequences would be, but ruled out direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.
The UK's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also warned the government will "hold Putin's regime to account" if chemical weapons were used.
Putin has denied using chemical or biological weapons since launching the invasion however, the RIA are reportedly advocating for the use of extreme warfare.
- Russia Ukraine war
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Vladimir Putin
- Military
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