Russia preparing chemical attack, Ukrainian intel intercepts call
Russia preparing chemical attack, Ukrainian intel intercepts call (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian military intelligence has intercepted a conversation within Russia's army discussing the potential use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces on the front line, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine.
In the intercepted conversation, Russian forces are heard discussing preparations for yet another war crime — the use of chemical weapons. The Russians are reportedly planning to deploy toxic substances against Ukrainian defensive positions.
"Yes, we've thought about it — once we advance to the south, we'll need to hit the area with artillery. So tomorrow we'll go in with 'this thing' and fire at close range. We'll use 'this thing' and spray it right inside," Russian soldier says.
Russia using chemical weapons on battlefield
The European Council recently drafted a new sanctions regulation officially accusing Russia, for the first time, of using CS tear gas on the front lines in Ukraine as a method of warfare.
According to the document's explanatory note, European officials cite reports from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), published at Ukraine's request in November 2024 and February 2025.
Earlier, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence reported that Russian forces have been systematically using chemical agents in combat. In particular, incidents involving poisonous gas munitions have been increasingly recorded in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Additionally, the OPCW released a report confirming the presence of toxic substances in samples collected from combat zones in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. The findings detail gas attacks near the villages of Mariivka and Illinka in 2024.
