Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have intensified following accusations from Russian authorities regarding the alleged use of chemical weapons by Ukrainian forces. According to Sputnik, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of the radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops of the Russian armed forces, has made startling claims of Ukrainian troops employing US-supplied chemical munitions during the ongoing conflict.
Russian news agency Sputnik quoted Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov stating, “During the special military operation, cases of US chemical weapons used by the armed forces of Ukraine were recorded”.
The Ukraine military used US-made chemical grenades dropped from UAVs several times against the Russian armed forces in 2023, and this January, Ukrainian units used an unknown toxic chemical against the Russian troops, which led to burns, nausea and vomiting.
“Ukraine, with the complicity of Western countries, does not limit itself to the use of non-lethal chemicals, but actively using chemicals from the list. I would like to draw attention to the statement by representatives of the Ukrainian armed forces about the availability of such compounds at their disposal, including analogues of the combat toxic substance Tabun, which is included in List 1 of the Convention [on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction]”, Kirillov said.
The allegations extend to the United States, with Kirillov accusing the US of violating international conventions by transferring non-lethal chemical weapons to third countries, including Ukraine. He cited budget allocations and internal Pentagon rules permitting the use of toxic chemicals in combat zones as evidence of US complicity in violating chemical weapons conventions.
The revelations have raised concerns about the escalation of chemical warfare in the region and the implications for civilian populations. The use of chemical weapons violates international norms and poses grave risks to human health and safety.
The Ukrainian government has denied the allegations, labeling them as Russian propaganda aimed at discrediting its military operations. However, the accusations have further strained relations between Russia and Ukraine and heightened fears of a broader conflict.
According to Sputnik, in August 2022, Vladimir Saldo, the head of the Kherson region administration, was hospitalized after being poisoned with ricin, a substance detected in his biomedical samples, revealed Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Chemical Defense Forces.
In December 2023, the head of the Lugansk People Republic, Leonid Pasechnik, suffered a serious poisoning attempt from phenolic compounds, said Kirillov. Prior to that incident, Pasechnik had never experienced any such poisoning attempts.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on the facts of the use of poisonous substances by the Ukrainian military:
On August 19, 2022, a toxic chemical, an analog of the warfare poisoning agent “Bi-Zet,” was used.
A similar substance was found on January 28, 2024, during operational-search activities in a cache in Melitopol. It was in vials labeled “Biosporin”.
On February 8 and 16, 2023, cases of hydrocyanic acid use with drones were recorded.
On January 31, 2024, the Ukrainian Armed Forces used an unknown toxic chemical that caused burns. Analysis showed the presence of a compound known as anthraquinone.
On December 28, 2023, American-made gas grenades loaded with a substance called “CS” capable of causing skin burns and respiratory paralysis were dropped in the area of Krasny Liman.
On June 15, 2023, a drone carrying a plastic container with a mixture of chloroacetophenone and chloropicrin was used against Russian troops near Rabotino.
According to Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the Armed Forces of Ukraine plan to use chemicals to impede the offensive of the Russian army in order to get additional time to prepare defensive lines in the Zaporozhye, Kharkov and Sumy regions.
“It is assumed that such tactics will significantly complicate the activity of offensive operations of the Russian Armed Forces and provide Kiev with additional time to prepare defensive lines in the Zaporozhye, Kharkov and Sumy regions”. Kirillov said.
According to him, Ukraine’s requests for the supply of antidotes, gas masks and other personal protective equipment indicate plans for the large-scale use of toxic substances.
The international community has called for an independent investigation into the allegations to ascertain the veracity of the claims and hold perpetrators accountable. The use of chemical weapons represents a serious breach of international law and must be condemned unequivocally.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence. The international community must remain vigilant and resolute in upholding the prohibition against the use of chemical weapons and promoting peace and stability in the region.
