Raphael Kanu
European intelligence agencies have accused Russia of dramatically escalating its use of chemical weapons on the Ukrainian battlefield in violation of international law, sparking renewed calls for sanctions and international accountability.
In a joint announcement on Friday, the Dutch and German intelligence services alleged that Russian forces have been deploying chloropicrin, a choking agent banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The agencies also reported the use of tear gas in combat operations.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, citing intelligence from the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), described the practice as “normalised and widespread,” with chloropicrin reportedly being dropped from drones to force Ukrainian soldiers out of trenches and then kill them.
“This is part of a large-scale, systematic programme—not just improvised attacks on the front line,” said Peter Reesink, head of the MIVD. “If we don’t expose and stop it, it will continue unchecked.”
Germany’s BND foreign intelligence agency corroborated the findings, adding that the use of chloropicrin in confined spaces could be lethal, and represented a serious breach of international conventions.
The allegations come amid Russia’s denial of using banned substances. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed earlier in the week that Ukrainian weapons containing chloropicrin had been discovered in eastern Ukraine—an assertion Ukraine denies.
According to Brekelmans, at least three Ukrainian fatalities have been linked to chemical exposure, and over 2,500 cases of related symptoms have been reported. He urged the global community to increase pressure on Moscow.
“We must raise the stakes. This includes additional sanctions and banning Russia from participation in international bodies such as the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW),” Brekelmans said.
The OPCW, based in The Hague, has previously said that mutual accusations by Russia and Ukraine lacked sufficient substantiation, and noted that a full investigation can only be initiated at the request of member states.
As the chemical weapons claims surfaced, Ukraine reported the largest drone and missile attack by Russia since the war began, with 539 drones and 11 missiles launched overnight. The assault injured at least 23 people in Kyiv, setting buildings and vehicles ablaze and damaging critical railway infrastructure.
In retaliation, a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Rostov region killed one woman and forced the evacuation of residents, according to Russian authorities.
Despite the rising hostilities, both sides confirmed a new prisoner exchange had been carried out, though neither disclosed how many soldiers were involved. The swap followed a June agreement in Istanbul.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions linger. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “disappointed” with his phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, revealing no breakthrough was made. Putin reportedly reiterated that Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine hinges on resolving the conflict’s “root causes.”
Trump is expected to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, where discussions will likely focus on the suspension of U.S. weapons deliveries.
Earlier this week, the Pentagon announced a pause on military aid pledged under the Biden administration, citing a review of inventory levels. Items currently withheld include Patriot missiles and Hellfire munitions.
Putin and Trump did not address the U.S. arms halt during their call, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.