The Dutch Ministry of Defense and intelligence agencies have stated that Russia is extensively using banned chemical weapons in the war in Ukraine. This includes the use of drones to dispense asphyxiating agents, forcing Ukrainian soldiers to leave trenches and become targets. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans has called for stricter sanctions against Russia.
According to a report released by Reuters on Friday, the head of the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), Peter Reesink, pointed out that the chemical weapons used by Russia include “chloropicrin,” a banned substance first used by Germany during World War I. He emphasized that this behavior is not a temporary wartime tactic but part of a “large-scale plan.”
The Netherlands has revealed that Russian forces are loading “chloropicrin” into makeshift containers such as light bulbs or empty bottles and deploying them to the front lines using drones. Additionally, the Russians have converted existing ammunition into carriers for releasing tear gas, indicating a trend towards the “normalization, standardization, and wide usage” of chemical weapons.
Reesink stated that the Russian military’s use of chemical weapons is approaching a “standard operating procedure,” and if not exposed and stopped by the international community, this trend is likely to continue.
“If we do not clarify and publicize what Russia is doing, these trends will most likely continue,” Reesink said.
Brekelmans emphasized that Russia’s use of chemical weapons is concerning because it is a trend that has been observed for many years.
He called for increased pressure on Russia, including “considering more sanctions” and “not allowing them to participate in international organizations such as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council.”
Brekelmans stated that at least three deaths of Ukrainians are related to chemical weapon attacks, with over 2,500 people exhibiting symptoms related to chemical weapons on the battlefield.
Reesink indicated that there are “thousands” of cases of Russian chemical weapon use, with Ukrainian statistics showing up to 9,000 cases.
However, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague has not been requested to launch a comprehensive investigation, which must be formally initiated by member states.
The Russian Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the allegations.
Previously, Russia has consistently denied the use of illegal weapons and accused Ukraine of being the party using chemical weapons. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated this week that the Federal Security Service discovered a batch of Ukrainian-hidden explosive devices containing “chloropicrin” in eastern Russia.
Ukraine vehemently denies these accusations.
Currently, the European Commission has proposed adding another 15 entities and individuals to the sanctions list, including those suspected of using chemical weapons in Ukraine.
Dutch intelligence agencies also pointed out that Russia not only increases chemical weapon usage on the front lines but also simultaneously enhances research capabilities and actively recruits scientists for chemical weapons research and development.
Intelligence personnel have stated that Russian officials have instructed soldiers to use poison in combat, indicating that this is not a temporary action but part of a “large-scale plan.”
“Chloropicrin” is classified by the OPCW as a prohibited asphyxiant chemical agent that can cause severe irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingestion can lead to oral and gastric burns, nausea, vomiting, and symptoms of breathing difficulties or shortness of breath.
(This article has drawn references from relevant reports by Reuters)