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Russia's Chemical Warfare in Ukraine
Ukraine accuses Russia of systematically using banned chemical weapons in the ongoing conflict. This report details the types of weapons used, the Ukrainian response, and the ongoing investigation.
Ukrainian
Germany
International RelationsHuman Rights ViolationsHuman RightsRussia Ukraine WarWar CrimesMilitary TechnologyMilitary ConflictChemical Weapons
Ukrainian Armed ForcesOrganization For The Prohibition Of Chemical Weapons (Opcw)Nato
Oleksandr SelivanovLeonid ShelestSerhiy PakhomovOleksandr KarasevychMaria Zakharova
- What protective measures are Ukrainian soldiers using?
- Ukrainian soldiers primarily use Soviet-era protective equipment, such as gas masks, but they are calling for better protection. The lack of timely access to and use of protective equipment has resulted in deaths.
- What is the role of the OPCW in investigating these claims?
- The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is investigating Ukraine's claims but has yet to officially confirm them. The process can take time due to the complexities of investigation.
- What types of chemical weapons are being used in the conflict?
- The Ukrainian Armed Forces report systematic Russian attacks using banned chemical weapons. These attacks, primarily involving tear gas and chloropicrin, aim to force Ukrainian soldiers out of their positions, making them vulnerable to further attacks.
- What is Russia's response to accusations of chemical weapon use?
- The most commonly used substances are CN and CS tear gases, banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and chloropicrin, a choking agent. Russia denies using these weapons, despite evidence and witness accounts.
- What is the current status and future implications of the chemical attacks?
- While the frequency of chemical attacks has decreased, the Ukrainian military continues to monitor the situation and report new incidents. Ukraine hopes to use OPCW confirmation to pursue further political and legal action against Russia.