Allies warn of chemical threat

Ukraine's allies fear Russia's use of more deadly chemical weapons

Ukraine's allies express Concerns about Russia's possible use of more lethal chemical weapons against the backdrop of a protracted war and the lack of effective deterrents. This is reported by the The Times with reference to Western and Ukrainian sources.

What we know now

According to the Ukrainian side, Russian troops have already used banned chemicals thousands of times on the battlefield. According to the military, such actions were used predominantly:

• for defeat of the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

• in order to force the Ukrainian military to leave their hideouts.

What substances were recorded

Reported use of the product suppression gases, In particular:

• CS and CN;

• chloropicrin - an asphyxiant known since the First World War.

The use of these agents contradicts international norms and prohibitions on the conduct of war.

Risk of escalation

The protracted nature of the war and Lack of a strong response from the international community could push the Kremlin to use of even more dangerous chemical warfare agents. This scenario is now seen as one of the key risks to the security of Ukraine and Europe.

Context.

The use of chemical weapons is prohibited Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Russia is a member. Ukraine has repeatedly called on its partners Increase sanctions and political and diplomatic pressure on Moscow in response to such actions and ensure effective deterrence mechanisms.