Russian troops continue chemical attacks against Ukrainian defenders
Photo: protection during a chemical attack (Getty Images)
The Russian invaders continue to use special ammunition equipped with hazardous chemicals against Ukrainian defenders, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Over the past month, 447 cases of Russian forces using chemical munitions against the Ukrainian military were recorded.
For the period from February 15, 2023, to August 24 of this year, the number of such cases is 4035.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine explains that the use of chemical munitions is carried out simultaneously with conventional firepower.
Russia is using K-51 and RG-VO chemical agents for chemical attacks. They are riot control agents and are prohibited for use in warfare.
The Ukraine's General Staff notes that there is also a significant share of Russian ammunition containing dangerous chemical compounds of unspecified type.
“By doing so, Russia is grossly violating the rules of warfare, ignoring the norms and obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction,” the statement says.
Russian chemical attacks against Ukrainian defenders
Since 2014, after the occupation of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Russia has repeatedly been accused of using chemicals against the Ukrainian military and civilians. One example was the use of tear gas during the shelling of Ukrainian forces.
With the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the incidents of Russian chemical attacks became more serious. For example, in April 2022, it was reported that Russian forces used chemical weapons in Mariupol, allegedly phosphorus. These attacks caused concern among the international community. As expected, Russia denied using chemical weapons.
As of September 2024, Russian troops also continue to use munitions with toxic substances, dropping them from drones on Ukrainian positions, which creates additional threats to the Ukrainian military. By such actions, Russia is once again violating international law, including the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and their Destruction.
Recently, Russian invaders used chemical munitions against the Ukrainian military in southern Ukraine. According to Dmytro Lykhovyi, a spokesperson for the Tavria operational group of troops, the Russian occupiers made 13 discharges of toxic substances on the contact line in Zaporizhzhia on September 4 alone.
