Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Verification Needed on Russia's Ukraine Chemical Weapon Allegations... Unacceptable"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated regarding Russia's use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, "Fact verification is necessary, but if true, it is unacceptable."

Choi Young-sam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 14th, "We are aware of the related reports and understand that fact verification is needed," adding, "Our government's position on the use of chemical weapons remains consistent."

Spokesperson Choi said, "The use of chemical weapons is a threat to international peace and security and is unacceptable under any circumstances," and "It is important that those involved in the use of chemical weapons bear appropriate responsibility."

Regarding whether the government agrees with U.S. President Joe Biden's characterization of Russia's actions in Ukraine as genocide and mass murder, he responded, "We expect an independent international judicial body to make a clear judgment."

He added, "The government consistently maintains the position that the massacre of civilians during wartime is a clear violation of international law, and the use of force causing innocent casualties cannot be justified."

Recently, the Azov Regiment defending the southern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol claimed that Russian forces used chemical weapons within the city, raising suspicions about the use of chemical weapons by Russian troops.

The Azov Regiment asserted via social media that an unidentified substance fell from a drone, and victims experienced respiratory difficulties and impaired mobility.

Meanwhile, President Biden stated on the 12th (local time) during a visit to Iowa, "Putin's attempt to annihilate the Ukrainian people is becoming increasingly clear, so I call this genocide," adding, "The evidence is mounting."

The United Nations Convention defines genocide as a criminal act intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. It also mandates international intervention if an act is determined to be genocide.