Dutch intelligence reports widespread Russian use of chemical weapons in Ukraine

Dutch intelligence agencies have gathered evidence indicating widespread use of banned chemical weapons by Russia in Ukraine, including the deployment of choking agents via drones to force soldiers from trenches for targeting, Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and Military Intelligence chief Peter Reesink stated.

“The main conclusion is that we can confirm Russia is intensifying its use of chemical weapons,” Brekelmans said in an interview, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

 “This intensification is concerning because it is part of a trend we have been observing for several years now, where Russia's use of chemical weapons in this war is becoming more normalized, standardized, and widespread.”

The Dutch findings reveal the use of chloropicrin, a banned choking agent first used by Germany in World War One, marking new public evidence of chemical weapons use in the conflict. “Our own independent intelligence, so we have observed it ourselves based on our own investigations,” Reesink confirmed.

The United States first accused Russia of employing chloropicrin in May 2024. Ukraine alleges thousands of instances of Russian chemical weapons use, with Reesink citing a Ukrainian figure of 9,000 such occurrences. At least three Ukrainian deaths have been linked to chemical weapons, with more than 2,500 injured on the battlefield reporting related symptoms, Brekelmans added.

Russia denies using banned weapons and accuses Ukraine of similar violations. Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, claimed that the Federal Security Service found Ukrainian explosive devices containing chloropicrin in eastern Ukraine, allegations Ukraine rejects.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has stated that accusations from both sides are “insufficiently substantiated” and has not launched a full investigation.

Brekelmans called for tougher sanctions against Moscow, stating, “We must further increase the pressure. This means looking at more sanctions and specifically not allowing them (Russia) to participate in international bodies like the Executive Council of the OPCW.”

Reesink emphasized that the chemical weapons program is large-scale and organized: “This isn't just some ad-hoc tinkering at the frontline; it is truly part of a large-scale program. And that is, of course, also concerning because if we don't clarify and publicize what Russia is doing, it's highly likely these trends will continue.”

He described the use of chloropicrin in improvised munitions such as light bulbs and bottles deployed from drones, calling the tactic “almost standing operating procedure.”

The intelligence findings are set to be presented to the Dutch parliament, adding urgency to calls for enhanced international response to Russia’s chemical weapons use in Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva