“Gas Them in the Basement”: Leaked Audio Catches Russian Commander Planning Chemical Attack

On July 24, Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) released an intercepted radio conversation that allegedly captures a Russian commander planning a chemical attack against Ukrainian troops.

In the recording, the commander can reportedly be heard saying:

“Now I’m going to gas them in the basement.”

He then gives further orders to eliminate survivors in case the chemical agents don’t fully work:

“If that doesn’t finish them off—while they’re coughing and disoriented—they’ll need to be quickly dealt with afterward.”

The alleged target was a group of Ukrainian soldiers taking shelter underground.

A History of Chemical Weapon Use?

This isn’t the first time Ukrainian authorities have accused Russian forces of using banned substances.

Previous claims have cited the use of tear gas, Chloroacetophenone (a chemical riot control agent), and Chloropicrin, a World War I-era chemical weapon.

While these earlier incidents have been difficult to independently verify, they have triggered international alarm.

A Violation of International Law

The 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention bans the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. Russia is a signatory to the agreement.

If confirmed, this latest incident would be a clear violation of international law and could amount to a war crime under international humanitarian statutes.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated recently that Russia is increasing its use of chemical agents in Ukraine, citing intelligence from multiple countries.