6 March, 10:36
Ukraine has officially presented evidence of the use of chemical weapons by the Russian Federation on its territory during a meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague.
This was stated by the Deputy Director of the Department of International Security of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Kasyanov, emphasizing the systematic use of hazardous chemical substances by Russian troops.
Scale of Chemical Agents Usage
Between February 2023 and February 2025, Ukraine recorded over 6,900 cases of chemical munitions being used. Additionally, more than 2,100 servicemen sought medical assistance for symptoms of chemical poisoning, including three fatal cases.
The Ukrainian side highlighted that Russia employs dangerous chemical substances, including tear gas and irritants, for military purposes. This constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the Chemical Weapons Convention.
OPCW Confirms Evidence
During the meeting, the Ukrainian delegation drew international attention to the OPCW’s findings, which confirmed the presence of chemical substances in the submitted evidence. Specifically, five Russian RG-Vo gas grenades, as well as soil and vegetation samples, were analyzed and found to contain CS – a component used in riot control agents. However, in the context of warfare, such substances qualify as chemical weapons.
Call to the International Community
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to take immediate action against these violations and apply appropriate mechanisms to hold Russia accountable. Ukraine insists on the necessity of strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation and engaging legal mechanisms to investigate war crimes related to the use of chemical weapons.
Russia’s actions provide further proof of its disregard for international law and humanitarian norms. The global community must respond to this crime to prevent further use of prohibited warfare methods.
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