US, Britain react to Russia's use of chemical weapons in Mariupol

The Pentagon cannot confirm reports that Russian forces have used what may be a chemical weapon in Mariupol, Ukraine, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said in a statement Monday, but officials remain concerned about the potential Russian use of riot control agents.

Report informs, citing CNN, that the Pentagon is aware of the reports and will monitor the situation closely, Kirby said.

"These reports, if true, are deeply concerning and reflective of concerns that we have had about Russia's potential to use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, in Ukraine," Kirby said.

The United Kingdom and its partners are investigating reports of the use of chemical weapons on the evening of April 11 in Mariupol. Foreign Minister Elizabeth Truss stated:

"Reports that Russian forces may have used chemical agents in an attack on the people of Mariupol. We are working urgently with partners to verify the details.

"Any use of such weapons would be a callous escalation in this conflict, and we will hold Putin and his regime to account."