Russian forces resort to illegal chemical attacks on Ukrainian soldiers

Chemical Weapons Expert Confirms Use of Deadly Gas in Ukraine Conflict

In a shocking revelation, Marc-Michael Blum, a chemical weapons expert and former head of the OPCW laboratory, has confirmed the use of deadly gases in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The recovered munition was identified as a K-51 gas grenade, typically filled with tear gas. However, other types of chemical gases, including hydrogen cyanide, chlorine, and chloropicrin, have also been reported.

One incident in 2023, caused by what is suspected to be hydrogen cyanide, resulted in two deaths and 12 hospitalizations in Donetsk Oblast. The head of investigations for Ukraine’s prosecutor general referred to one of the deaths as being caused by an “unknown gas.” The Ukrainian military has claimed that Russian forces have carried out 626 gas attacks since the start of the invasion, but experts believe this number is a gross underestimate.

Ukrainian soldiers have been specifically trained to deal with chemical attacks, as they have become a common tactic used by Russian forces. However, the protective equipment provided to soldiers is often old, ineffective, and in some cases, contains asbestos. Some soldiers are not provided with any protective equipment at all and have to rely on donations or source their own.

The Russians have openly boasted about their use of chemical weapons, with the Black Sea Fleet’s 810th Naval Infantry Brigade posting a video on Telegram showing the deployment of K-51 gas grenades on Ukrainian positions. Russian state television station “Channel One” also aired a news report discussing the issue, with a Russian soldier stating that gas masks are ineffective against the attacks.

The use of deadly gases in the conflict has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for an end to the use of chemical weapons in the conflict.