Is WHO preparing for nuclear war? Health body publishes list of medicines for nations to stockpile in case of ‘radiation or nuclear emergency’ as EU warns ‘Russia is at war with the West’

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has updated its list of medicines to stockpile for ‘radiological or nuclear emergencies’, just hours after the EU warned that Russia ‘is at war with the West’.

The global health body issued guidance on how to survive a nuclear catastrophe in a new report today, warning against ‘intentional uses of radioactive materials with malicious intent’.

The report was published as the spectre of nuclear war looms over the world after the West supplied state-of-the-art tanks to Ukraine to the fury of Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin accused NATO of a ‘blatant provocation’ and threatened a ‘global catastrophe’ in response to the deal.

And today, Stefano Sannino, secretary general of the European Union‘s European External Action Service, said Putin had ‘moved from a concept of special operation to a concept now of a war against NATO and the West’.

The EU is not looking to escalate hostilities but is ‘just giving the possibility of saving lives and allowing the Ukrainians to defend (themselves) from these barbaric attacks’, Mr Sannino said.

Dr Maria Neira, WHO Acting Assistant Director-General warned that many governments today are not prepared for a nuclear or radiation disaster.

She said: ‘In radiation emergencies, people may be exposed to radiation at doses ranging from negligible to life-threatening. Governments need to make treatments available for those in need – fast.

‘It is essential that governments are prepared to protect the health of populations and respond immediately to emergencies. This includes having ready supplies of lifesaving medicines that will reduce risks and treat injuries from radiation.’

WHO outlines that a national stockpile normally includes PPE, trauma kits, fluids, antibiotics and painkillers.

But the health body said: ‘Many countries, however, still lack the essential elements of preparedness for radiation emergencies.’

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said today the US holds the key to ending the war in Ukraine but refuses to use it.

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Joe Biden of ‘pumping weapons into Ukraine’ when he could instead be instigating a ceasefire.

Germany and the US announced on Wednesday they will send advanced battle tanks to Ukraine, offering what one expert called an ‘armoured punching force’ to help Kyiv break combat stalemates as the Russian invasion enters its 12th month.

The announcement marked the first stage of a co-ordinated effort by the West to provide dozens of the heavy weapons, which Ukrainian military commanders said would enable counter-offensives, reduce casualties and help restore dwindling ammunition supplies.

Joe Biden said his country will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks, reversing months of persistent arguments by Washington that they were too difficult for Ukrainian troops to operate and maintain.

The US decision followed Germany’s agreement to send 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from its own stocks.

In response, Russia has stepped up attempts to break through Ukraine’s defences with heavy fighting in the east of the country.

The Ukrainian military said fierce battles were under way, a day after Russian missiles and drones killed at least 11 people in retaliation to the tank deal.

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked allies for their support but renewed calls for tougher sanctions on Moscow and made clear his country needed more weapons to repel the invaders in the twelfth month of the war.

‘This evil, this Russian aggression can and should be stopped only with adequate weapons. The terrorist state will not understand anything else,’ Zelensky said in his nightly television address on Thursday.

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