Russia’s Use of Banned Chemical Weapons in Ukraine Now Widespread
The Netherlands has publicly accused Russia of systematically deploying banned chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces, signaling what officials call a disturbing normalization of chemical warfare on the battlefield.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Reuters.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and the head of the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), Peter Reesink, revealed intelligence indicating that Russia is executing a coordinated, large-scale program involving chemical agents.
According to the Dutch findings, Russia has been using chloropicrin – an internationally banned choking agent first deployed during World War I, through improvised delivery systems such as drones equipped with light bulbs and bottles containing the chemical.
The goal is to flush Ukrainian soldiers from their trenches and expose them to deadly gunfire.
“This intensification is concerning because it is part of a trend we have been observing for several years now, where Russia's use of chemical weapons in this war is becoming more normalized, standardized, and widespread,” Brekelmans said.
Reesink noted that Russian soldiers are receiving explicit instructions on the battlefield to use chemical agents, undermining the norms of modern warfare.
While the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has not been formally tasked with an investigation, Brekelmans urged international bodies to act, calling for further sanctions and demanding Russia’s exclusion from key OPCW decision-making platforms such as its Executive Council.
At least three Ukrainian soldiers are confirmed to have died as a result of chemical exposure, and over 2,500 troops have reported symptoms consistent with chemical attacks, including respiratory distress, severe skin and eye irritation, nausea, and vomiting.
Despite longstanding denials by Moscow, the U.S. first accused Russia of using chloropicrin in Ukraine in May 2024. Ukraine has since recorded thousands of such instances, with estimates rising to as high as 9,000 cases.
The Dutch intelligence letter, submitted to parliament earlier this week, outlines concrete evidence of expanded Russian production capabilities and strategic planning surrounding chemical warfare.
Reesink emphasized the need to confront these violations head-on to prevent further erosion of international norms.“If we don't clarify and publicize what Russia is doing, it's highly likely these trends will continue,” he warned.
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