The United States has accused Russia of using chemical weapons, including poison gas, “as a method of warfare” against Ukrainian forces, in violation of a global ban on the use of such weapons. The State Department made this statement on Wednesday, revealing that Russia had used chloropicrin, a “choking agent” from World War I, as well as tear gas, against Ukrainian troops.
The use of these banned gases is seen as a strategic move by Russian forces to dislodge Ukrainian troops from fortified positions and gain tactical advantages on the battlefield. This comes as Russia has been steadily advancing through Ukrainian defenses in the east, capturing several towns and villages.
In response to these accusations, the United States announced sanctions on three state entities linked to Russia’s chemical and biological weapons programs, as well as four companies that supported them. Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, dismissed the accusations as “odious and unsubstantiated.”
The Ukrainian authorities have reported around 1,400 cases of suspected chemical weapons use by Russia since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The rate of these attacks has increased as Russian forces continue their assaults along the front line. Combat medics and soldiers have noted that the use of toxic agents often occurs during intense fighting when Russian forces are trying to dislodge Ukrainian troops from well-fortified positions.
Soldiers on the front lines have experienced the effects of these chemical attacks firsthand, with reports of burning skin, vomiting, and other debilitating symptoms. Tear gases like CS and CN, commonly used by riot police, have been identified in many of these attacks. While tear gas is used for domestic law enforcement, it is considered a chemical weapon when used in warfare.
The lack of adequate protective equipment against chemical attacks has left Ukrainian troops vulnerable to these assaults. Combat medics and soldiers have recounted instances where gas attacks forced them out of their positions, putting their lives at risk.
The international community has condemned Russia’s use of chemical weapons, with foreign ministers at a recent Group of 7 summit warning of severe consequences for any further use of such weapons. The accusations against Russia come in the wake of previous incidents involving the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and former spy Sergei Skripal.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the use of chemical weapons adds another layer of complexity to the already devastating situation. The impact of these attacks on both military personnel and civilians underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
