Growing Evidence of Russias Chemical Warfare in Ukraine Sparks Calls for Stronger Sanctions and Military Support

Dutch and German intelligence agencies announced on Friday that they have gathered evidence indicating an increased use of chemical weapons by Russia in Ukraine. They urged for stricter sanctions against Moscow and continued military backing for Kyiv.

The Dutch military intelligence (MIVD) and domestic intelligence (AIVD), in conjunction with Germany’s foreign intelligence service (BND), stated that they have detected the presence of chloropicrin, a chemical agent that can be lethal in high concentrations in confined spaces.

In May, the United States imposed sanctions on Russia for its supposed use of chloropicrin and tear gas, which is considered a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Kremlin dismissed these allegations as “unfounded.”

The Dutch and German intelligence agencies asserted that the military leadership of Russia, along with its radiological, chemical, and biological defense units, are “supporting” and “actively promoting” the use of prohibited agents in combat scenarios.

They declared in a joint statement: “The deployment of both tear gas and chloropicrin by Russian forces has become a routine practice and is likely to pose a persistent threat in the future.”

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans referred to the “systematic and extensive” use of such chemicals as a “slippery slope” that threatens not only Ukraine but also Europe and the global community at large.

“This necessitates increased sanctions, the isolation of Russia, and unwavering military support for Ukraine,” he stated.

Brekelmans also updated the Dutch parliament on these findings, which were released to discourage the “normalization” of chemical weapon use, according to MIVD.

The intelligence agencies reported that since the large-scale invasion began in 2022, Ukraine has recorded over 9,000 chemical attacks conducted by Russian forces, with at least three Ukrainian fatalities directly attributed to chemical exposure.

“Moreover, the use of chemical weapons by Russia has indirectly resulted in a far higher number of Ukrainian casualties, as many Ukrainian soldiers were compelled to expose themselves, making them vulnerable to attacks from conventional weaponry,” the agencies noted.

Both countries have accused each other of employing chemical weapons during the conflict. Russia insists it no longer holds a military chemical stockpile, but it continues to face international pressure to provide more transparency regarding its alleged use of harmful agents.