Russia using chemical weapons on Siversk front for third week, Ukraine reports
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Russian forces have been using chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops on the Siversk front for the third consecutive week, Ukraine’s Rubizh Rapid Response Brigade of the National Guard reported on June 15.
“This weapon, unfortunately, is causing severe harm to our defenders,” the unit said in a statement on its official Telegram channel.
According to the brigade, the munitions release toxic substances that spread extremely quickly, filling trenches and low-lying areas almost instantly.
Russian forces have also ramped up their assault operations in the area, reportedly using motorcycle units and civilian vehicles in their attacks. However, Ukrainian defenders are managing to eliminate these assault groups several kilometers before they reach frontline positions.
The number of Russian artillery strikes in the region has surged to nearly 200 per day, which the brigade said may indicate Moscow is preparing for a large-scale offensive.
“Our defenders are already preparing a proper response,” Rubizh said.
In early March, Ukraine presented evidence at the 108th session of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague, documenting Russia’s systematic use of chemical weapons in Ukraine—a clear violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
In May 2024, the U.S. State Department cited Russia’s use of chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces as part of its rationale for a new wave of sanctions against Moscow.
According to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, Russia has used munitions containing toxic chemical agents more than 6,900 times since the full-scale invasion began.
As of March 5, 2025, nearly 3,400 Ukrainian soldiers had been treated for symptoms consistent with poisoning by unidentified chemical substances, the ministry said.
On April 14, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported that Russian troops are systematically using munitions containing poisonous gas, which damages mucous membranes and the respiratory system. Prolonged exposure without protective equipment can be fatal, HUR warned.
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