Ukraine accuses Russia of large-scale chemical warfare as January sees surge photo

More than 12,000 instances of the use of hazardous chemical substances have been documented since the beginning of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, according to the post shared by Ukraine’s General Staff on social media.

The military said that in January 2026 alone, Russian forces intensified the use of chemical munitions, including K-51 and RG-VO gas grenades containing the chemical agents CS and CN. These substances are typically employed for crowd control in peacetime but are prohibited in combat situations.

“Chemical agents CS and CN, although not lethal, cause severe irritation of the mucous membranes and may lead to coughing, choking, disorientation, and a temporary loss of combat capability. Despite their limited lethality, their use in military conditions violates international law and poses a threat to the health of Ukrainian service members,” the General Staff said.

According to the report, 224 cases of hazardous chemical substance use were recorded in January 2026 alone.

In response to these attacks, Ukraine’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection units have been documenting each incident and transferring collected samples for forensic examination.

The statement emphasised that under Article 1, paragraph 5 of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, Use and Destruction of Chemical Weapons, the use of such substances for military purposes is banned, highlighting the violations committed by Russian forces.

By Tamilla Hasanova