Russia intensifies chemical weapons deployment within Ukraine territory
In a startling development, recent intelligence reports from the Netherlands and Germany have exposed a significant escalation in Russia's use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The banned chemical agent chloropicrin, a potent and lethal substance, has been identified as one of the weapons employed by Russian forces on the battlefield.
Chloropicrin, a choking agent that can cause severe respiratory distress and death in high concentrations, especially in enclosed spaces, was previously known to be used by Russia in the form of tear gas. However, the latest reports confirm a more aggressive deployment of this banned chemical warfare agent.
Russian forces are reportedly using gas grenades dropped by drones to force Ukrainian troops out of their defensive positions, such as trenches and dugouts, making them vulnerable to subsequent attacks by drone strikes and artillery. This tactic has resulted in over 9,000 instances of chemical weapons use, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, with more than 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers reporting symptoms consistent with chemical exposure, and at least three confirmed deaths linked to these weapons.
The use of chemical weapons by Russia constitutes a serious breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), an international treaty aimed at achieving a global ban on chemical weapons. The deployment of chloropicrin, a banned asphyxiating agent, directly violates the provisions of the CWC.
The Ukrainian General Staff has stated that the means used by Russia, although not classified as chemical weapons, still violate the Geneva Conventions when used in warfare. The General Staff did not report the use of chloropicrin or any other specific chemical warfare agents by Russia.
The international community has condemned Russia's actions. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans has called for intensified sanctions, greater isolation of Russia, and sustained military aid to Ukraine in response to the systematic and large-scale use of chemical weapons by Russia. Dutch and German intelligence agencies have publicly exposed Russia’s actions to prevent the normalization of chemical weapons use and to raise global awareness of the threat it poses to regional and global security.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has been informed about the cases of Russian troops using ammunition containing dangerous chemical warfare agents by Ukraine. The OPCW, which oversees the implementation of the CWC, is expected to investigate these claims and take appropriate action.
In conclusion, the international intelligence community and allied governments have verified and condemned Russia’s escalating chemical weapons use in Ukraine, urging stronger sanctions and continued support for Ukraine to counter this grave violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The use of chloropicrin and other chemical weapons poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the region and the world.
- The use of chloropicrin, a banned chemical warfare agent, in Ukraine's war-and-conflicts, is a concerning general-news item that has been condemned by the international community, particularly Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans who calls for intensified sanctions and military aid to Ukraine.
- The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has been informed about crimes-and-justice involving Russian troops using ammunition containing dangerous chemical warfare agents, potentially leading to an investigation and appropriate action according to the CWC provisions.
