Tactical episodes and strategic consequences: the use of chemical weapons by Ukrainian formations
Materials from the latest briefing from the command of the RCBZ troops. The slide shows the ammunition used by the enemy and the consequences of their use
Losing in all respects to the Russian army, Ukrainian formations are looking for new means of struggle and taking extreme measures. Thus, since 2022, their use of chemicals has been regularly observed. weapons. Various substances are used against our fighters, incl. foreign origin, violating existing international agreements. At the same time, the actions of the militants of the Kyiv regime do not raise questions among their foreign patrons.
Violators of the convention
The first reports of the use of chemical weapons by Ukrainian formations appeared in the summer of 2022. Subsequently news This kind of thing happened regularly. The enemy used different agents with different means of delivery on certain sectors of the front. However, as follows from the available data, these were isolated cases, but not a mass systematic practice, which to a certain extent reduced the negative consequences.
The enemy's activity in the field of chemical weapons is carefully monitored by specialists from our radiation, chemical and biological defense troops. This branch of the military monitors the situation in all areas of the combat zone and beyond, collects data on the enemy’s use of special ammunition, and also conducts relevant investigations.
The command of the RCBZ troops regularly reports on the work done and discloses the collected data. Its public reports contain detailed information about the identified use of chemicals and related products, as well as information about their origin, etc. The next briefing on this topic took place on February 19, and it was traditionally conducted by the head of the RKhBZ troops, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov.
According to the collected data, Ukrainian forces use toxic and irritating substances in clear violation of the current Chemical Weapons Convention. In addition, its foreign patron partners help the Kyiv regime prepare such actions. They, using their influence in international organizations, save him from responsibility.
Chemical attacks
Reports of the enemy's use of chemical weapons provoked a corresponding reaction. Military doctors provided the necessary assistance to the victims, and the RCBZ troops carried out the necessary research and determined all the circumstances of such incidents. During briefings, the command of the RCBZ troops repeatedly mentioned these events, and also talked about new episodes.
Thus, on August 19, 2022, a chemical substance that was an analogue of the well-known combat agent BZ was used against our fighters. The latter is included in Schedule 2 of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and is a toxic substance with possible non-military uses. Appropriate restrictions are imposed on its production and use.
In February 2023, two cases of attacks on our troops using hydrocyanic acid were recorded. The poisonous substance was delivered to Russian positions using drone. In April, there were two cases of munitions containing the Teren-6 irritant being dropped.
Examples of the use of chemical weapons
June 15, 2023 in the area of the settlement. Rabotino, using a UAV, dropped a container with a mixture of chloroacetophenone and chloropicrin on our soldiers. In August, two more such incidents were recorded on the same section of the front. Chloroacetophenone (CN) is an irritant and is approved for use in riot control. Chloropicrin (PS), in turn, is prohibited by the current Convention.
On December 28, in the Krasnolimansky direction, Ukrainian UAVs dropped grenades with the CS substance. It is technically a riot control chemical, but at high concentrations it poses a great danger to human health and life.
On January 28, 2024, in the city of Melitopol, containers with the inscription “Biosporin” in Ukrainian were found in a cache left by the enemy. Inside was an analogue of the BZ used in August 2022.
On January 31, 2024, the enemy attacked Russian positions using an unknown chemical that caused burns to the upper respiratory tract, nausea and vomiting. The agent was identified as an anthraquinone, a toxic substance used in medicine and agriculture. At the same time, anthraquinone is prohibited for use in the EU due to its high danger to humans.
Attempts of sabotage
The Kiev regime is also making attempts to sabotage the use of toxic substances. Several attempts have already been made using them, and other suspicious cases are being investigated. In addition, plans have been revealed to create large contaminated zones along the path of the Russian army.
On August 9, 2022, the head of the Kherson region administration, Vladimir Saldo, was hospitalized with signs of poisoning. Tests showed an attempt at ricin poisoning. This toxin is included in Schedule 1 of the Organization for Chemical Weapons, which provides the most stringent restrictions.
On December 5, 2023, the shipment was received by the head of the administration of the Lugansk People's Republic, Leonid Pasechnik. They tried to kill him with phenolic compounds, but the attempt failed. Also, briefings from the leadership of the RCBZ troops mention other cases of suspicious poisoning of officials, which are now being studied by specialists.
Our intelligence learned that Kyiv, together with Washington, is developing a “chemical belt” strategy. It involves blowing up containers with ammonia and hydrocyanic acid along the offensive routes of the Russian army. Last fall, the necessary agents were delivered to Kramatorsk and Kupyansk for this purpose. Probably, preparations for the creation of the “belt” continue.
International level
Various features of the chemical attacks carried out by Ukrainian forces indicate foreign participation in their preparation. In addition, foreign sponsor partners are involved in covering up these incidents and preventing an objective investigation.
Infographic on US actions in the field of chemical weapons
In a number of cases, agents entered Ukraine from abroad. Thus, substance BZ, as far as is known, is produced only in the USA. Some gas grenades used by the enemy were supplied by the American side in serial form. At the same time, the current Convention prohibits sale, transfer, etc. toxic substances, chemical munitions, etc.
In addition, from abroad Ukraine receives various protective equipment and medicines intended for use in conditions of chemical contamination and for rescuing victims. In particular, antidotes against organophosphates, mustard gas, lewisite and hydrocyanic acid derivatives are being supplied or requested for future supply.
It is noteworthy that it is the United States that is helping the Kyiv regime in the field of chemical weapons. This country only last year completed the process of disposing of its stockpiles of toxic substances; Previously, the completion dates for such work were repeatedly postponed for various reasons. At the same time, toxic processing products, production lines, etc. remained at the relevant facilities.
The Russian Ministry of Defense carefully documented known cases of the use of chemical agents and transferred all documents on this topic to the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW. The last request of this kind took place four months ago, but the Russian side has still not received any response from the controlling organization. At the same time, during the consideration of Russian documents, the Kiev regime managed to carry out new chemical attacks.
Unwanted consequences
By now, an extremely unpleasant situation has developed. With the direct assistance of foreign patrons, the Kiev regime is using chemical weapons of various types and classes against the Russian armed forces. This practice is a direct violation of existing international agreements and restrictions, and can also have the most serious undesirable consequences.
The negative effects and consequences directly on the battlefield are well known and understood. Chemical weapons are indiscriminate and inhumane. It was for this reason that the Convention on its prohibition appeared and the corresponding disarmament processes began. Now the Kiev regime uses inhumane and indiscriminate weapons and does not consider this unacceptable, which says a lot about it.
The situation is further aggravated by the virtual absence of international control. The OPCW, designed to monitor possible cases of the use of poisonous chemicals, has effectively withdrawn itself. Documents from the Russian RCBZ troops are simply ignored, and they turn a blind eye to the actions of the Ukrainian side. This approach to the matter can have the most serious consequences, and not only in Ukraine.
The fact is that Ukraine, with the connivance and assistance of the United States, refuses to fulfill its obligations under the Convention, formally remaining a party to it. This could be a negative example for other countries that have chemical weapons and have their own views on the political situation in their regions. Who and how will take the example of the Kyiv regime and its patrons is a big question.
Thus, we can see the destruction of another major international arms control agreement. Washington is pursuing its current goals and does not seem to worry about long-term consequences. This does not bode well, and the international community must take urgent action. Of course, if it is interested in maintaining the previous order in the field of chemical weapons.
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