KYIV: The NATO has warned Russia against the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The warning was issued prior to the emergency meeting to be held on Thursday. In addition, NATO has also vowed to provide additional support, including cyber security assistance, to help Ukraine against chemical, biological and nuclear threats. As the conflict in Ukraine continues for the 29th day, Russia has reached an agreement with Ukraine to set up nine rescue corridors in order to evacuate the people stranded in various cities.

Meantime, the US has sketched a contingency plan to counter Russia if it uses chemical, biological or nuclear weapons against Ukraine. In addition, the Tiger Team, a group comprising of national security officials, is also examining responses if Putin reaches into NATO territory to attack convoys bringing weapons and aid to Ukraine. These are likely to be the main topics of discussion at the NATO members’ meeting scheduled on Thursday.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier said that Russia would use nuclear weapons in Ukraine only if it faces an existential threat. “We have a concept of domestic security and it is public. You can all read the reasons for nuclear arms to be used”, he said.

The Russian troops had reportedly destroyed a laboratory near the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear power plant, last day. The destruction of the lab which contained highly active samples and radio nuclides has raised concerns. The State Agency of Ukraine has confirmed that active samples capable of emitting radiation are now in enemy hands. The Russian troops had captured the Chernobyl power plant in the beginning of the invasion itself. The laboratory was newly constructed for the treatment of radioactive wastes. It was buit in 2015 with the support of the European Commission at a cost of six million Euros. It was rebuilt following the world’s largest nuclear disaster in 1986.