Russia makes false claims of Ukrainian chemical attack plans

Russia has launched another campaign to discredit Ukraine, spreading fake claims about the Armed Forces of Ukraine allegedly preparing “chemical provocations” in Kharkiv region.

This was reported by Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation on Telegram.

It has emerged that through occupation-controlled resources, the enemy is claiming that Ukrainian radiation, chemical and biological defense units have allegedly arrived in Izium. Propagandists say that between January 6 and January 8, Ukraine is supposedly planning to carry out a “terrorist attack” using chemical substances.

The Centre for Countering Disinformation stresses that such claims are groundless and not supported by any evidence. These information injections are viewed as part of an “information alibi” tactic, in which Russia preemptively accuses Ukraine of actions it may itself carry out.

Propaganda is also paying particular attention to religious manipulation — fake messages are deliberately linked to the celebration of Orthodox Christmas to amplify the emotional effect and turn the civilian population against the Ukrainian authorities.

The Centre for Countering Disinformation stresses that it is the Russian Federation that has repeatedly been mentioned in reports by international organisations regarding the use of chemical substances and is under sanctions for using banned chemical weapons.