Alleged Poisoning of Russian Soldiers in Crimea Sparks International Concern

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Claims by the ‘Crimea Combat Seagulls’ of poisoning two dozen Russian soldiers raise questions, prompting scrutiny and calls for an investigation.

In a recent Telegram post, a partisan group identifying itself as the “Crimea Combat Seagulls” claimed responsibility for the alleged poisoning of two dozen Russian soldiers in occupied Crimea. The incident reportedly took place in Simferopol, the peninsula’s second-largest city, and resulted in 24 deaths and 11 hospitalizations.

The group boasted about duping Russian troops by offering them poisoned vodka and other food items at a military checkpoint. The Telegram post, shared on Saturday, detailed the use of arsenic and strychnine in the “goodies” presented to the soldiers, with the group urging others to emulate their actions.

While the timing of the alleged poisoning remains unclear, Ukrainian partisans, including the Crimea Combat Seagulls, have been credited with various attacks against Russian forces since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukrainian saboteurs reportedly poison 35 Russian soldiers in Crimea, 24 diehttps://t.co/7i5iXiED2O

— Robert Petersen (@RobertP48264217) December 3, 2023

President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently expressed the intent to retake Crimea amid the ongoing conflict. The alleged incident adds to a series of reported resistance actions, including a recent explosion targeting pro-Russia Chechen militants and an attack on a train carrying ammunition and fuel to Crimea.

The Telegram channel Kremlin Snuffbox shared a similar account of the alleged poisoning, describing it as a “tragedy” in one of Simferopol’s military units. The post mentioned an ongoing Russian investigation to identify the responsible parties.

It’s important to note that the details of the incident have not been independently verified at this time.

This alleged poisoning incident follows a recent report of four FSB officers being poisoned after consuming delivery food in Melitopol, where three officers lost their lives. Additionally, the city was reportedly the site of another attempted poisoning of Russian military graduates in October.