U.S. officials and their allies must be aware of the different needs that would follow from a biological or chemical attack. An infectious attack, such as with anthrax, would not be obvious for days, because the onset of symptoms would be delayed, but would soon overwhelm whatever remains of Ukraine’s hospitals and clinics. A chemical attack would require a more immediate response, one akin to that demanded by the bombing of a building that has left people trapped inside the ruins.
An effective response to either a biological or chemical attack would require swift coordination by multiple countries. Ukraine’s partners would have to distribute vaccines and medical supplies as soon as an attack occurred, which means governments would have to set in place logistical agreements ahead of time and determine how to distribute supplies in war-torn areas.
It remains unclear who should take the lead in any broader response to a Russian biological or chemical attack. The government of Ukraine may not be in the position to respond rapidly and effectively on its own. But if not Ukraine, who? It seems unlikely that the United Nations, where Russia has a veto on the Security Council, could do much in this crisis. That leaves the United States as the most likely and logical coordinator of any response.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member