Russian forces may be coating Shahed drones with toxic substances

International intelligence community InformNapalm reported the information, citing its own military sources.

“While we do not have additional evidence that this is indeed a mass phenomenon, the recommendation not to touch the wreckage of downed drones without first analyzing them for chemical hazards seems quite logical,” they said. 

The community reported that Russia has long had entire institutes developing chemical warfare agents. 

“And even Russian intelligence services operating abroad have been known to use them for particularly perverse ways of killing opponents of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin,” InformNapalm says.

The intelligence community does not rule out that the Russians periodically launch disinformation about their combat capabilities through various channels to spread panic. Therefore, experts called for a balanced and calm attitude to this and any information about their new tactics. 

“But caution will not be superfluous, because our enemy is really going to any means prohibited by humanitarian law and international conventions to kill or maim as many Ukrainians as possible. So take care of yourself and don't pick up even fragments that may look safe,” InformNapalm emphasized.

What does the Center for Countering Disinformation say?

According to the Center for Countering Disinformation, Russians are using Shahed drones equipped with toxic substances for strikes on Ukraine.

"The Center has verified this information with the security services and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. It is known that a capsule containing a concentrated chemical warfare agent 'CS' (an irritant) was found in one of the UAVs. This is a highly toxic irritant," the statement says.

It is noted that enemy UAVs may scatter capsules with toxic substances to harm people.

"However, the information spread by some media that the bodies of Russian drones themselves are coated with toxic substances has not been confirmed," the Center added.

• Earlier, it was reported that the Russian army is using munitions with poisonous gas on the front line. Russia drops them from drones onto the positions of Ukraine’s Security and Defense Forces.