Netherlands accuses Russia of widespread chemical weapons use against Ukraine

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans told Reuters.

Brekelmans stated that his country's intelligence services can confirm that Russia is increasing its use of chemical weapons and therefore called for tougher sanctions against Moscow.

"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,” he said in an interview with the agency.

Head of Dutch military intelligence Peter Reesink stated that the conclusions are based on "our own independent intelligence."

According to Brekelmans, at least three Ukrainian deaths are linked to the use of chemical weapons, and more than 2,500 battlefield casualties have reported symptoms related to chemical weapons to Ukrainian health authorities.

Reesink spoke of "thousands of instances" of chemical weapons use, while also citing a Ukrainian figure of 9,000.

Brekelmans noted that Russia’s increased use of chemical weapons poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to other countries.

"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," he said.

Dutch military and general intelligence services, in cooperation with foreign partners, report having found concrete evidence of intensified chemical weapons production in Russia.

This includes enhancing research capabilities and recruiting scientists to develop chemical weapons, Risink said. He emphasized that Russian officials have given soldiers instructions on how to use toxic chemical warfare agents.

"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," Reesink said.

He called the use of chemical weapons by the Russian armed forces “almost standing operating procedure.”

"We specifically linked the use of chloropicrin to improvised munitions, such as filled light bulbs and empty bottles that are hung from a drone. When it comes to teargas, we see that they are also misusing and converting existing munitions to act as the carrier for the gas," he said.

Chloropicrin is listed among the prohibited choking agents under the OPCW, which was established to implement and oversee compliance with the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention.

It can cause severe irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. If ingested, it may cause burns to the mouth and stomach, nausea and vomiting, as well as difficulty breathing.

• In May last year, the United States justified its sanctions against Russia by claiming that Russian troops had used a banned chemical agent, chlorpicrin, against the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
• And in October, the UK imposed sanctions on three Russian entities and one individual in connection with the use of chemical weapons by the Russian military against Ukraine.