AN INCREASINGLY desperate Russia has begun deploying a mysterious new gas on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The sinister use of chemical warfare against the Ukrainian troops comes as Volodymyr Zelensky‘s troops continue to push west on the frontline.
The mysterious new gas comes after Russia previously used banned gas agents in the ongoing Ukraine war.
However, Kyiv’s forces have been unable to recognise the chemical composition according to Colonel Artem Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s Support Forces’ Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Command.
“Ukraine is currently unable to identify the majority of the gas used on the battlefield, compared to previous months when it could diagnose about half of the chemicals,” reported The Kyiv Independent, citing the colonel.
The colonel added: “Of the 323 recorded cases of Russia’s chemical attacks in October, nearly all except 15 incidents were ‘unidentified’.”
Gas warfare is used to choke Ukrainian troops from their strongholds as Russia mounts an increasingly successful push westward.
Footage shows show examples of Russian forces using gas on the frontline to “smoke out” Ukrainian troops.
Vlasiuk has since pleaded for more Western high-end detector technology costing up to £460,000 to diagnose the toxins deployed by Vladimir Putin’s forces.
Vlasiuk said: “We can detect CS, but if the enemy uses something else more complex, newer, or a mix that is similar in composition but not CS, we can’t identify it.”
Ukraine is desperately short of the equipment to identify gases in Russia’s use of chemical weapons, it is claimed.
It comes as Ukraine accused Russia of more than 4,600 gas attacks on the battlefield since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Among these are CS and CS tear gas, as well as ammonia and chloropicrin, which dates as a weapon from the trenches of the First World War.
Chloropicrinthe attacks soft tissues of the respiratory system, and at higher doses can kill.
Poisoning causes profuse vomiting and blindness, as well as skin irritation.
The detectors are vital to establishing war crimes.
The use on the battlefield of chemical agents, even if non-lethal, for example tear gas is a violation of the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention.
This post-Cold-War disarmament treaty bans deployment of chemical weapons in war and obliges countries to eliminate them.
Russians troops have not hidden their use of chemical weapons.
In one broadcast, RT state news agency journalist Andrey Filatov showed how Russian troops “smoked out” a Ukrainian machine gunner from a position near Avdiivka.
He said: “Here you can see the gas mask that the machine gunner was holding.
“The packaging from the cartridges.
“Here [you can see] the gas grenade that we dropped…”
Separately, Russian neo-Nazi military unit Rusich demonstrated its use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian positions.
They boasted: “We are throwing chloropicrin at the Ukrainian strongholds.”
CHEMICAL weapons were first used in a major war with World War I, when both sides used poisonous gas to cause intense suffering on the battlefield.
Chlorine, phosgene – a choking agent – and mustard gas which inflicts painful burns on the skin were some of the chemicals used.
It is estimated nearly 100,000 people died as a result of chemical attacks.
And since World War I, chemical weapons have caused more than one million casualties.
After public outrage, the Geneva Protocol, was signed in 1925 to prohibit the use of chemical weapons.
Today, any form of chemical gas is strictly prohibited in war under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Since the end of World War II, almost all cases of chemical attacks in war have been obsolete outside of a few cases.
Most notably by Iraq in the 1980s against Iran.
Earlier this year, Putin’s forces were accused of unleashing horrific chemical attacks on Ukrainian soldiers.
Russian troops were allegedly sending drones along the frontlines daily to drop banned packages full of tear gas and other dangerous chemicals on unsuspecting troops.
The terrifying use of the tactical drones has even forced Ukrainian fighters to carry gas masks with them in the trenches, says a top commander.
Any form of chemical gas is strictly prohibited in war under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Russia has a chilling past with chemical weapons especially to target people tyrant Putin deems as a threat to his power.
In 2006, Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned with polonium in London – and claimed Putin had directly ordered his assassination.
Then in 2018, former GRU agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with Novichok in Salisbury.
Anti-terror cops discovered the nerve agent used was military-grade Novichok, made in Russia – sparking a fresh wave of concern over the country’s production and use of chemical weapons.
Several Kremlin critics such as Alexei Navalny and Ilya Yashin have also told supporters they believed they were poisoned by chemical attacks ordered by Putin.
Signed in 1925, the Geneva protocol banned the use of poison gas on battlefields following the use of chemical warfare in World War One.
The protocol states that use of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases, and of all analogous liquids, materials or devices, has been justly condemned by the general opinion of the civilised world.
Signatories declared to agreed to prohibit the use of chemical and bacteriological methods of warfare and international armed conflict.
The Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare was signed at Geneva on 17 June 1925 and entered into force on 8 February 1928.
Thirty-eight states originally signed the Protocol.
France was the first signatory to ratify the Protocol on 10 May 1926.
As of April 2021, 146 states have ratified, acceded to, or succeeded to the Protocol
A WOMAN has warned people to bin a popular winter buy from B&M after it ”nearly set her house on fire”.
With the autumn season now well and truly here, many of us have been stocking up on wax melts to make our homes smell cosy – whether that’s a rich honey aroma or the warming notes of cinnamon and apple.
Using a wax melt also means snapping up wax melt burners, which are available in an array of designs fitting every budget.
The popular home goods store B&M is just one of the many retailers offering this autumn and winter essential – however, one woman recently warned shoppers to steer clear of the store after a horrific incident.
According to the mortified customer, only known as Imogen, a wax burner she and her pal Sophie had purchased from B&M almost set their home ”on fire”.
The scary video posted on the duo’s page (@sophandimmy_) shows viewers the damage the burner had allegedly done, with the smoke detector going off in the background.
Imogen, who had bought the purse-friendly wax burner the day before, claimed that it had only been lit for ”an hour” before the flames from the candle grew out of nowhere.
At one point, she claimed in the video, they ”were nearly as tall” as she is, leaving her totally horrified.
”I had no idea what to do,” said Imogen who was getting ready upstairs when she first heard the alarms beeping.
”I’m just in shock – I can’t even speak.
”Thanks B&M for nearly setting my house on fire,” said the young woman, strongly recommending people to ”bin this wax melt burner”.
The burner, which sells for a quid, comes with a removable top and features a cute heart and dot design in cream.
Since being posted on the bubbly pair’s page, the video has racked up close to a staggering 160k views and more than 400 comments.
Despite the incident leaving Imogen traumatised and in a state of shock, several people reckoned the she had no one else to blame but herself.
”I mean your supposed to use a small tea light not a massive one,” read the top comment that’s been liked by over 500 other people.
Someone else agreed, explaining that she should’ve used a smaller version of the tea light.
”Wrong tealight is used that’s why it set on fire that’s far too big.”
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”Your only meant to use the small candles with them not them ones their [they’re] too big it does say this it’s not b&m’s fault,” a third said.
”looks like a 8 hour tea light and should have been a 4 hour tea light,” a viewer penned.
However, according to Imogen, there was no information or instructions about how to use the burner safely.
”Unfortunately b&m failed to state that this burner can only been used with a small tea light,” the woman said, replying to a comment on the page.
”Definitely not something such a large company should be missing out, at least I know now.”
The Sun has reached out for comment.
PHIL TAYLOR has landed his first job since retiring from darts and has opened up on the injury that ended his amazing career.
Taylor, 64, is widely regarded as the game’s greatest player after winning a record 16 World Championships — including eight in a row from 1995 to 2002.
He also has a record 85 major titles under his belt, having won a mind-blowing 214 tournaments.
But last month Taylor was forced to bow out of the business after a major injury issue.
The icon was set to take part at the World Seniors Darts Masters this week.
However, he went under the knife for a hip problem over the summer.
And following complications post-surgery, Taylor has instead had to settle for a new career.
Instead of playing at the Senior Worlds, he will instead take up a brand new role as a commentator.
Opening up on his injury, Taylor told the Northern Echo: “I tore what you call your scar tissue doing a little bit of work too quickly.”
Speaking last month after retiring, he told talkSPORT: “I’m retired now, properly retired.
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“My eyes started going a few years ago then my hip went and then the travelling.
“You’re away from home four-five days a week and it’s good for money but it’s not good for your family.
“My mind is still in my teens but my body is 90.
“How did I keep going? If I won a players championship that paid for the food bills. Every tournament was about paying the bills.
“Has there been a better marketed sport in last decade? They (the fans) don’t just have a little bit of fun, they have a lot of fun. It’s fantastic.”
Phil Taylor quit his day job in the ceramic industry to become a full-time darts player in 1987 and went on to establish himself as a legend of the sport.
He dominated darts for over two decades, winning 214 professional tournaments – including 85 major titles and a record 16 World Championships.
The Power won his first World Championship in 1990, three years after becoming a professional player, and clinched his second two years later.
He then won eight consecutive world titles from 1995 to 2002.
Among his incredible list of accolades are 16 World Matchplay titles, 11 World Grand Prix titles, five UK Open titles, four European Championship titles and six Grand Slam titles.
Taylor also won six Premier League titles, four Championship League titles, five Desert Classic titles. two US Open titles, a UK Masters title and a World Masters title.
His incredible achievements saw him nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2006 and 2010, finishing as runner-up in the latter year.
Taylor won his last World Championship in 2013.
OODIE’S Black Friday sale is officially live, making it one of the first retailers to publish its November deals.
As we’ve come to expect from Oodie, there are some generous deals on offer.
The brand is also repeating its now-famous £1 Black Oodie deal, which sold out in 30 seconds last year, crashing the retailer’s site.
So, if you’re looking to snag a bargain, here’s everything you need to know.
Shop the Oodie collection
The Oodie became a sensation in Australia after its launch in 2018 and took the UK by storm during the covid lockdowns.
Its popularity shows no signs of fading.
The brand, which started with a small range of hooded blankets, is now a fully-fledged loungewear titan. Its products now include shoes, outdoor coats, dressing gowns and even pet clothing.
However, our hearts will always belong to the Original Oodie.
Its cosy, thick hooded design is perfect for battling the chill of winter, making it a cold-weather essential in our book.
That makes Black Friday the perfect time to purchase one.
Last year’s Black Friday deals were impressive; there was even an early bird offer where you could grab an Oodie for just £1, which is set to return on 6th November this year, followed by discounts of up to 60% across the site.
To sign up for the £1 Oodie deal, simply enter using your name and email address — then make sure you’re online when the clock strikes 6pm on Tuesday.
Oodie began teasing its Black Friday deals last week, before November had even started.
The sale is now fully live, with 50% off sitewide, and the £1 Black Oodie giveaway, which caused chaos when it took place last November, has been confirmed for 6pm on Wednesday.
We don’t see the deals getting any better throughout November, although we don’t know for sure.
While that means you don’t need to rush into any purchases, we also wouldn’t be surprised to see popular items sell out, so if you’re after something specific, don’t dawdle.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks from the 50% off sale.
Sign up to the £1 Black Oodie giveaway before 6pm on Wednesday 6th November
Oodie introduced this element of its Black Friday sale last year, and after its emphatic — albeit slightly chaotic — success, we’re not surprised to see it return for 2024.
To get your hands on the bargain, you’ll need to be on The Oodie’s site at exactly 6pm on Wednesday, at which time the Black Oodie will have its price reduced to £1.
The price stay at a pound until the Black Oodie sells out. Last year that took all of 30 seconds, crashing The Oodie’s site in the process.
Only lucky people will be successful — none of Sun Shopping’s team managed to get their hands on one last year.
Oodie Original, from £32.50 (was up to £75)
Fans of the brand will be pleased to learn that the OG Oodie has been included in its Black Friday sale.
Like everything else on the site, its price has been slashed by 50%.
That means prices start from £32.50 for core styles like the Grey Oodie and Avocado Oodie.
Meanwhile, licensed Oodies, which are made in collaboration with franchises like Mickey Mouse (pictured) and Lilo and Stitch, are £37.50.
Oodie Original Kids, from £19.50 (was up to £45)
The Oodie Original is suitable for most people, as one size fits all.
However, some kids may find the original can swamp them, which is where the Original Kids version comes in.
Designed for kids aged 7-13, It measures 75cm in length, while an adult Oodie is based on a 6XL hoodie, making it around 93cm.
The Original Kids Oodie is equipped with the same features as the adult version, with a kangaroo front pocket, long sleeves, plush sherpa fleece and hood.
Aussie Faves Top Pyjamas, £9 (was £45)
Oodie has a variety of printed nightwear separates, which can either be worn on their own to bed or under an Oodie for extra warmth.
The pyjamas are sold separately as a t-shirt and shorts rather than as sets, which we prefer as it allows the wearer to customise their sleepwear to suit their preferences.
After all, some may prefer an oversized t-shirt as a nightie if they overheat at night, or to wear with longer bottoms instead of shorts.
The Aussie Faves top is emblazoned with foodie delights and has been reduced by a staggering £36.
Black Puffer Slip On, £29.50 (was £59)
After the success of its loungewear offerings, it was the logical next step (get it?) for The Oodie to give slippers a go, and we’re impressed with the result.
There’s quite a range, including sandals, short boots and ankle boots, but our favourite pair is this Puffer Slip on.
We’d hesitate to call them a dupe of the North Face Tent Mules because they’re usually more expensive, but at just £29.50 they’re an absolute steal.
Outdoor Oodie, £54.50 (was £109)
In our Oodie review, our writer wrote that he was initially ashamed of his Oodie.
“However,” he wrote, “before long, I was wearing it on work calls, answering the door in it, and generally going about my daily business without a care in the world.”
He continued: “I only draw the line when I have to go out of the house”.
Oodie is now testing that with the introduction of its Outdoor Jacket, which comes with a Nylon Outer and fleece inner.
We can imagine it being great for nipping out for errands in the dead of winter.
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Black Friday originated in the USA, but it’s become a global sensation, though there is more meaning to Black Friday than hefty discounts and flash sales.
It is hands down THE ultimate day for snagging unbeatable deals and massive discounts throughout the year.
So, when is Black Friday? The annual sale event always lands the day after Thanksgiving, and this year it falls on November 29, 2024.
But don’t wait until then to start your shopping; brands like Oodie often roll out their deals early.
Our top tip? Get your wishlist ready now, so you’re prepared to grab the best Black Friday deals before they disappear.
The Oodie was a huge hit with shoppers last year, and the brand didn't disappoint when it came to its Black Friday offerings.
Here’s a snapshot of our favourite deals last year:
Cyber Monday rolls around right after Black Friday.
But when exactly is Cyber Monday? This year the sale extravaganza finale is on 2nd December, so mark your calendars to not miss out.
It’s your second chance at scoring incredible deals and discounts, so if Black Friday didn’t go as planned, Cyber Monday is another chance to bag a bargain.
Oodie has been part of the Cyber Monday action before, so it’s a good bet they’ll be back this year.
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Oodies took off a few years ago, with their manufacturer touting them as a “jumper crossed with a blanket, crossed with a cloud.”
Judging by the ever-growing list of glowing reviews, plenty of people agree.
In our own Oodie review, our Reviews Manager Kieran Ahuja noted: “I probably wouldn’t pay the full £89 for an Oodie, but if you can get one in a sale, or convince your family to get one with you and get a bulk discount, then I would advise you to do it.”
Shop the Oodie collection
Still, whether an Oodie is worth the price tag is up to you.
They’re cosy and warm, making them ideal for winter nights, and roomy enough to snuggle up on the sofa.
Plus, the hood keeps your ears toasty, and the oversized kangaroo pocket is perfect for stashing essentials (fitting for an Aussie brand).
Before you splurge, you might also want to check out our reviews on the Travel Oodie and Beach Oodie.
Tumble drying your Oodie is a no-go. The Oodie experts recommend hand washing it in cold water for the best results.
But if you’re not up for that (and let’s face it, who has the time?), you can pop it in the machine on a gentle cycle with some mild detergent instead.
The drying time for your Oodie depends on a few factors: how you dry it, the warmth of your home, and the weather outside.
Since Oodies are crafted from Sherpa fleece, you can treat them like a wool sweater and lay it flat to dry.
Alternatively, you can hang it outside to dry. Just make sure to use a hanger and attach it to the line to avoid those pesky peg marks.
It might take some time, a good few hours to be frank, but patience pays off with great results.
Oodie offers free standard shipping on all UK orders over £50, which typically takes between 2 and 8 business days to arrive.
If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for express shipping for just £3.99, and your order will reach you in 1 to 3 business days.
If you’re looking to snag a deal on Oodie products, check out the bundle packs.
Sure, you’re spending a bit more upfront compared to buying just one item, but if you team up with someone and share the cost, it’s a pretty sweet deal.
Also, don’t forget to browse the clearance section on the website for some solid discounts.
For the biggest selection of deals, though, keep an eye out for Black Friday, there will be a wider variety of discounts on many more products.
Discover more top deals and savings at your favourite tech retailers by heading to Sun Vouchers. Sun Vouchers is the one-stop shop where you can find hundreds of discount codes for top chains including Currys, Argos, AliExpress, Dyson and more.
AN INFLUENCER has been brutally slated for her ”underwear” wedding dress, despite forking out an eye-watering sum for the ceremony.
The hot wedding season may be over – however, that hasn’t stopped loved-up couples from sharing sweet glimpses into their special day on social media.
Amongst them is also content creator Scarlet Vas who tied the knot with her now-hubby Tayo Ricci in a show-stopper of a wedding abroad.
The young duo – who are expecting a baby to join their little family – had an epic celebration of love in Mykonos, Greece, where they got married in front crystal clear water on a sunny day.
The lavish bash included a night of boozy dancing, jaw-dropping fireworks and emotional speeches as they shared words of love to one another.
But although the ceremony was sure to make their closest ones shed a tear or two, people on Instagram were coming for Scarlet for the same thing – her wedding gown.
For the special day – which allegedly cost an astronomical $500k, or £385k – Scarlet had chosen to wow the guests with a very sheer tulle dress, featuring a thigh-high slit and a busty display.
The maxi frock, which she had purchased from a bridal store in Los Angeles, the US, also boasted sparkling white floral detailing and a veil – which flew off as she was making the grand entrance on the aisle.
For the footwear, Scarlet had teamed the look with open-toe silver stilettos and sexy underwear which was peeking through the thin material.
Sharing the epic wedding on her page, Scarlet wrote on the now-viral video: ”POV: you waited your whole life to get married in Mykonos.
”My veil fell off at my 500k wedding…” she chuckled in the caption, before keyboard warriors flocked to shame her outfit.
Amongst the 6.3million viewers, hundreds shamed the dress choice, with one saying the bride was walking around practically naked.
”You’re barely wearing any clothes anyway sis,” the Instagram user wrote.
”Girl, what are you wearing? Have some dignity,” a second critic slammed the dark-haired beauty.
”She got married in her underwear,” a third joked of the ”tacky” gown.
”It’s true when they say money can’t buy you class,” a brutal troll wrote.
Sophie Creed, bridal designer and founder of bridal brand e&w Couture shared the most popular wedding dress designs for this year.
Sustainable Chic
Bridal fashion in 2024 is embracing a powerful shift towards sustainability, with brides looking closely at what fabrics are being used to make the dresses.
Many brides are also looking to wear a second-hand dress or a vintage number.
Boho Bliss
The bohemian aesthetic is effortless and laid-back elegance – ideal for relaxed weddings. Whether in a garden, on a beach, or under the stars, the boho trend is also great for nature-inspired weddings.
Couples opting for outdoor venues, and bohemian-inspired dresses with flowing silhouettes, floral lace, and whimsical details with blend in with the natural setting. It’s about bringing the romance of the outdoors into the wedding wardrobe.
Bohemian-inspired dresses often feature vintage-inspired lace, flowing sleeves, and ethereal details that stand the test of time.
Satin Elegance
Satin wedding dresses are capturing the hearts of brides who appreciate the marriage of modern simplicity and classic luxury.
This trend suits weddings that prioritize an elegant, refined aesthetic, making it an ideal choice for formal celebrations, chic city weddings, or any event where the bride envisions herself in a gown that exudes sophistication and grace.
Bold Romance
Oversized and bold modern showcase a shift in bridal fashion.
This trend is for the bride who dares to be different, breaking away from tradition and embracing a vibrant, contemporary aesthetic on the most important day of her life.
Others, meanwhile, reckoned it wasn’t tasteful of Scarlet to disclose the alleged eye-watering sums the couple had forked out for their day.
”Little tacky to mention the cost of your wedding.”
Scarlet has not yet responded to the harsh comments – and it seems like she has more important things to focus on, as the pair recently announced they’re expecting ”baby Ricci”.
The little tot is said to join the new family around Christmas.