The UK's Ministry of Defence is on high alert as analysts warn Russian President Vladimir Putin could be paving the way for a serious chemical or biological attack in Ukraine.
Russia has been accusing Ukraine of using chemical weapons since the invasion and war started, however analysts believe these accusations are all part of a Kremlin plan.
The UK Ministry of Defence revealed in a recent report that 'Russian accusations that Ukraine intends to use chemical and biological weapons continue' but they have 'seen no evidence to support these accusations.'
Instead, by perpetuating that Ukraine is intending to use chemical weapons, analysts say this could mean Russian troops intend to launch a 'false flag' attack.
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Analysts believe the false flag attack - the deliberate misrepresentation of occurrences, affiliation or motives to justify an attack - may use chemical weapons or biological weapons to inflict serious harm.
According to Reuters, Western analysts had growing concerns of an impending chemical attack from Russia.
"We think that chemical weapons could be used in a false flag attack to provide a retrospective justification for Russia's invasion of Ukraine," Western officials told the news outlet.
The comments came after the United States denied renewed Russian accusations that Washington was operating biowarfare labs in Ukraine.
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Moscow claimed it had discovered a military biological weapons programme somewhere in Ukraine that involved deadly chemical weapons such as anthrax and the plague.
Officials, however, called the claims 'laughable' and suggested Moscow may be laying the groundwork to use a chemical or biological weapons.
Russian's war against neighbouring Ukraine has entered its third week.
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Thousands of people have been killed, more than two million have been made refugees, and those who stayed behind are hiding in besieged cities that are under relentless bombardment.
Overall, Russia has lost about 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers, they said. Ukraine says its forces have killed more than 12,000 Russian troops.
Russia has confirmed about 500 losses.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.
Featured Image Credit: Richard Ellis / Alamy Stock Photo. dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock PhotoTopics: Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, News
