Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Warns There Would Be 'Significant Reaction' If Russia Uses Chemical, Biological Weapon

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a warning amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis, saying that if Russia were to deploy chemical or biological weapons, there would be a quick "significant reaction" from the U.S. and its global allies.

Austin said in an interview that he does not want to speculate about what exactly would change their calculation, adding that engaging in hypotheticals "is probably not helpful," according to a CBS News report.

Austin said the U.S expects to see Russia's attacks on civilians in Ukraine to continue due to its stalled campaign and an attempt by Russian leader Vladimir Putin to re-establish momentum.

The defense secretary said that Russia is not being effective in terms of its maneuver forces on the ground.

Austin said that the U.S. will work with allies and partners to help create conditions for Ukraine to get equipment like Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missile systems.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis

Russian forces called on Ukraine to lay down their arms in the eastern port of Mariupol, according to a CNBC report.

Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev, the director of the Russian National Center for Defense Management, said in a briefing that those who lay down their arms are guaranteed safe passage out of Mariupol.

Mizintsev stated in the briefing that humanitarian corridors for civilians would be opened to the east and the west of the Mariupol on Monday.

The colonel-general said that Ukraine has until 5 a.m., Moscow Time, to lay down arms and accept its offer of humanitarian corridors.

Meanwhile, Kyiv rejects the demand. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Israeli parliament, comparing the Russian invasion of his country to atrocities committed by Nazi Germany during World War II, according to an Aljazeera report.

The Turkish government noted that Russia and Ukraine are making progress on talks to halt the war, with the two sides being "close to an agreement."

A Ukrainian official in Odesa noted that Russia has begun using "unmanned aerial vehicles" in the urban areas of the region.

However, Maksym Marchenko, head of the Odesa Military Administration, said that the current situation in the area "is quiet."

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said that Israel is undertaking many attempts to arrange top-level talks between his country and Russia, suggesting that it might take place in Jerusalem.

Zelenskyy said during his nightly video address that they are grateful for his efforts, adding that sooner or later, they will have to start talks with Russia.

China's ambassador to the U.S. has defended the Chinese government's refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, arguing that such rebuke "will do nothing to stop the violence."

Qin Gang said that China wants "friendly, good neighborly relations with Russia," adding that it will continue "normal trade, economic, financial, and energy" relations with Russia.

However, the Chinese government urges an immediate ceasefire from Russia through negotiation and diplomacy.

The Chinese ambassador continued to say that China is not providing any military assistance to Russia.

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Exclusive: Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin On Russia-Ukraine Conflict - from NBC News