Russia Accuses Ukraine of Poisoning Soldiers
On Saturday, Aug 20, the Russian Defence Ministry fired a salvo of rumours at Ukraine, claiming that some of its troops in the Russian‑held parts of Zaporizhzhia were poisoned back in July.
What the Russians Say
According to the defence office, a handful of Russian servicemen were rushed to a military hospital on July 31 with serious signs of poisoning.
- They did a test, and the lab found botulinum toxin type B – the nasty stuff that can turn food into a lethal botulism cocktail.
- The ministry added, “If chemical terrorism is a fact, we’re gathering evidence from all analyses.” Nu… no numbers, no status updates, and definitely no “evidence” description.
Ukraine’s Tongue‑in‑Cheek Reply
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s interior ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko fired back on Telegram, hinting that the alleged poisoning might just be a by‑product of Russia eating expired canned meat. “We’ve been bashing about overdue rations ever since the invasion started,” he said, half‑in‑jest, half‑serious.
Other Russian Claims
The defence ministry also launched an investigation into a case involving Volodymyr Saldo, the Russian‑installed chief of the Kherson region, who fell ill earlier in August. Saldo, once the mayor of Kherson, is now the governor of the same territory that Russians seized in March.
Why All the Drama?
Russia’s “special military operation” began on Feb 24 with the goal of demilitarising Ukraine and “protecting” Russian speakers on what President Vladimir Putin called “historical Russian land.” Ukraine and the West, of course, see this as a blatant war of conquest aimed at erasing a nation’s identity.
So, as the two sides trade accusations and counter‑claims, we’re left to wonder: Is it an actual toxin, or just another example of wartime misinformation? Only time (and more lab results) will tell.
