Is Russia preparing to launch a chemical attack by way of blaming the Ukrainians for it?

[Nevilledog]

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Tweet text:

Benjamin Wittes
@benjaminwittes
If I didn't know that Russia was a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention and would NEVER use chemical weapons, I might think the Russian Federation was preparing to launch a chemical attack by way of blaming the Ukrainians for it.

Russian Embassy, UK
@RussianEmbassy

Russia government organization
#Konashenkov: 🇺🇦nationalists delivered about 80 tons of ammonia to Zolochiv settlement near #Kharkov. Residents from there say nationalists teached them how to act in a #chemical attack. Nationalists planning a provocation with toxins to accuse #Russia of using chemical weapons.
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1:47 PM · Mar 9, 2022

Magic 8-ball says "Fuck yes"

[ColinC]

1. Probably but I hope not.

The other possibility might be they are trying to find a more feasible retroactive purpose for their invasion in the court of public opinion. "See? They were planning a chemical weapons attack on us. Our invasion is justified!!"

[MarineCombatEngineer]

2. Everyone here pretty much knows my position on US/NATO boots

on the ground or a CAP over Ukraine and the reasons why, but if Daddy Vladdy orders an NBC attack on the Ukrainian people, then that's a red line for me and my opposition to armed intervention will melt away like butter on a hot pan.

[Torchlight]

3. Moscow's tactical failures may result in

expanding the methods and tools of the conflict in an attempt to achieve a quicker victory.

The foundational premise of my view of this conflict is that Moscow requires a quick victory or else face greater opposition at home, potentially resulting in his forced removal from office.

As the Ukrainian defense lines have held beyond expectations, it may compel Pres Putin to pull out some very dangerous cards to play.

[AlexSFCA]

4. I have no doubt: Russia is preparing to deploy chemical weapons to neuter Ukranians

This is exact same playbook as in Syria.

[mitch96]

5. Here we go again with their false flag bullshit. Anything to justify their actions..nt