Russia has been accused by European spy agencies of intensifying its use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian soldiers, sparking concerns about a serious violation of international law. The Dutch and German intelligence agencies have found extensive evidence suggesting that Moscow’s forces are using banned products, including the choking agent chloropicrin.
According to Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, there is “thousands of instances” of chemical weapons use by Russia, with at least three Ukrainian deaths linked to Russian chemical weapons. Germany’s BND foreign intelligence agency has corroborated these findings, saying that Russia was using tear gas and the more dangerous chemical chloropicrin in Ukraine.
The International Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) previously stated that Russian and Ukrainian accusations of banned weapon use were “insufficiently substantiated”. However, the Dutch and German agencies say their evidence suggests otherwise.
The allegations come as fighting continues to grind on in Ukraine, with Russia launching its largest-ever drone and missile attack on the country. Meanwhile, a prisoner exchange was confirmed between Russia and Ukraine, following an agreement made in Istanbul last June.
US President Donald Trump expressed his “disappointment” after a phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who reiterated that he would stop the invasion only if the conflict’s “root causes” were addressed. The US has since halted some promised weapons deliveries to Kyiv, citing increased Russian attacks on Ukraine.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/4/russia-expanding-chemical-weapons-use-in-ukraine-say-european-spy-agencies