Kathrine Frich
Chloropicrin’s use in warfare is strictly prohibited under international law.
Chloropicrin’s use in warfare is strictly prohibited under international law.
Widespread Use of Banned Chemical Weapons
Dutch intelligence officials have revealed damning new evidence of Russia’s increasing reliance on chemical weapons in Ukraine.
According to the Netherlands’ defense minister and military intelligence agency, Russia has intensified the use of banned agents, raising serious global security concerns.
Chloropicrin: A Deadly Relic of WWI Returns
At the heart of the accusations is chloropicrin, a toxic compound first used by Germany during World War I.
The Dutch say Russia is deploying it via drones to flush Ukrainian soldiers from trenches, making them easy targets for snipers.
Chloropicrin’s use in warfare is strictly prohibited under international law.
Dutch Intel: “We Saw It Ourselves”
Peter Reesink, head of the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), emphasized the credibility of the findings.
“We observed them ourselves,” he stated, insinuating that the conclusions stem from independent Dutch intelligence work rather than secondhand reports.
Not Just Ukraine, A Global Threat
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans warned that Russia’s growing use of chemical weapons is a threat far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
“This escalation is concerning… it’s becoming normalized and widespread,” he said.
The call is now for stronger international sanctions and to block Russia from global institutions like the OPCW Executive Council.
9,000 Suspected Incidents and Counting
According to Ukrainian authorities, there have been thousands of cases involving chemical agents, 9,000 by some counts.
Dutch officials confirmed at least three deaths and more than 2,500 injuries showing symptoms of chemical exposure.
These statistics suggest a deeply alarming trend.
Russia Denies, But So Does Ukraine
While Russia has denied using banned munitions and instead blames Ukraine, Ukrainian officials flatly reject the counter-claims.
Russia recently claimed to have found a Ukrainian chemical weapons cache, but international agencies remain skeptical due to a lack of evidence.
