**Wiltshire Gas Masks Headed to Ukraine**
In a move to support the troops in Ukraine, over 65,000 gas masks made in Wiltshire are set to be dispatched to help them defend their country against potential chemical threats. The gas masks have been manufactured by Avon Protection, based in Melksham, which has received two significant orders from Nato.
The decision comes after the US accused Russia of using chemical weapons on the battlefield, violating international laws. This development highlights the growing concern over the use of such arms in conflict zones.
**Urgent Need for Gas Masks**
Justin Hine, Avon Protection’s director of strategy and product management, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We’ve immediately jumped on this requirement,” he said, adding that the respirators are already in production and will be delivered soon. He noted that these gas masks are essential for the Ukrainian troops as they need a widely proven and easy-to-use product to protect themselves.
**Chemical Warfare Concerns**
Former army chemical weapons commander, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, has spoken out about the Russian use of chemical agents in Ukraine. “The Russians have been using chemical weapons almost continuously over the last 18 months,” he claimed. He described how Russian drones would drop cannisters containing gas into Ukrainian trenches, which is a riot control agent but also illegal under international law.
This raises significant concerns about the need for proper protection among Ukrainian troops. As de Bretton-Gordon emphasized, “good high-quality gas masks are absolutely essential” to safeguard them from such threats.
**International Response**
The dispatch of these Wiltshire-made gas masks is a notable step in supporting Ukraine’s efforts to counter chemical warfare. As tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate, the international community will be watching this development closely.
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