Statements by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation about the alleged preparation by Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to use poisons as a provocation against civilians as "fake," accusing Russia of diverting attention from its own war crimes.

"We officially declare that the SBU, even in theory, cannot prepare any provocations with toxic substances. We not act using the methods of the occupiers! Our task is to protect Ukraine. And, together with the Ukrainian people, this is what we are doing," the SBU said on Telegram on Wednesday.

The SBU said Russia began spreading the rumor after Russian invaders fired at a column of civilians near Mariupol, Donetsk region, and dropped a bomb on the building of Mariupol's drama theater, where hundreds of city residents, women and children were hiding.

"It is obvious that such statements by the invaders are just an attempt to divert attention from Russia's war crimes. Fake news will not divert attention from the genocide of civilians and the humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol, which Russia is destroying with its missiles and bombs," the SBU said, stressing that the occupiers will be held accountable for committing atrocities, and that they will do everything to ensure that their trial takes place in Mariupol.