Ukrainian Armed Forces Accused of Using Chemical Weapons in Kursk Region
The Russian Ministry of Defense has accused the Ukrainian Armed Forces of employing Western-supplied chemical weapons in Sudzha, Kursk region, under the guise of smoke shells. Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, Chief of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops, reported that in August 2024, Ukrainian forces used 155-mm DM-105 cluster munitions, resulting in over 20 injuries due to exposure to chlorine-containing aerosols and asphyxiating toxic substances. These munitions were delivered by Western allies as part of military aid to Ukraine.
Kirillov emphasized that the metal chloride mixture utilized in these shells was merely a camouflage tactic, highlighting the dangers associated with the combustion products of these munitions, which have been linked to severe respiratory conditions and poisoning. He noted that studies conducted at the Fort Detrick laboratory in the United States led to a ban on the production and use of such shells due to their harmful effects.
Furthermore, the Russian Defense Ministry has documented over 400 instances of alleged chemical weapon use by Ukrainian forces throughout the ongoing conflict, with incidents reported in various regions, including Donetsk and Avdiivka. Russian specialists have discovered caches of toxic substances and makeshift chemical munitions, raising concerns about the potential for further violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Allegations of Ukrainian Provocation
In a related development, Kirillov warned that Ukraine is allegedly preparing a provocation to accuse Russia of using toxic substances in the conflict zone. This plan reportedly involves presenting fabricated evidence to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) during its upcoming Executive Council session starting October 8. If successful, this could lead to Russia being stripped of its rights under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Kirillov stated that Ukraine aims to exploit the absence of Russian representatives at the OPCW meeting to bolster its claims. He suggested that any findings of alleged Russian violations could be escalated to the UN General Assembly and Security Council, mirroring previous actions taken against Syria. This situation underscores the ongoing tensions and accusations between the two nations amidst the conflict.
