A Ukrainian military official has claimed that Russia’s widespread use of chemical weapons in their ongoing conflict has resulted in over 2,000 hospitalizations among Ukrainian troops since the war began in February 2022.
Colonel Artem Vlasiuk, who serves with Kyiv’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Command, shared in a recent press briefing that a total of 4,800 chemical weapon-related incidents have been documented against Ukrainian forces since February 2022.
These incidents include the deployment of irritant chemicals, such as CS and CN, as well as tear gas typically used for riot control.
Vlasiuk also reported that three fatalities have been linked to “acute poisoning by unknown chemical agents.”
He noted that Moscow’s forces have become adept at concealing their use of such weapons, often making it look like artillery attacks to avoid prosecution.
‘Strictly Prohibited’
Vlasiuk’s statements follow confirmation from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which reported the use of toxic chemicals as weapons in the war.
The OPCW highlighted that Russian drones have been dropping gas grenades into Ukrainian trenches and dugouts, forcing soldiers into the open.
Among the most commonly used chemical weapons are K-51 and RG-VO gas grenades. However, Vlasiuk mentioned that the use of these weapons has decreased for now due to colder temperatures, which reduce their effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian colonel emphasized that Kyiv strictly adheres to international law regarding chemical weapons, particularly after joining a joint declaration by 59 nations that reaffirms the global ban on such agents in warfare.
“As a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention, Ukraine and its armed forces fully comply with international law and the prohibition of chemical weapons,” he stated.
Neutralizing the ‘Mastermind’
In a related development, Kyiv has claimed responsibility for the assassination of Russian General Igor Kirillov, who is believed to have initiated the chemical attacks on Ukraine.
Kirillov, 54, was killed by a remotely-detonated explosive device placed in a parked scooter as he was leaving a residential building.
The explosion also killed his assistant.
“Kirillov was a war criminal and an entirely legitimate target, as he issued orders to use prohibited chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops,” a source from Ukraine’s security service said. “Such an inglorious end awaits all those who kill Ukrainians.”
“Retribution for war crimes is inevitable!”