Ukraine issues suspicion notice to Russian general for ordering chemical weapon attacks

This was reported by the SBU.

"Since the start of the full-scale war, over 4,800 cases of Russia using chemical munitions have been recorded under Kirillov's command. Specifically, this includes K-1 combat grenades containing CS and CN irritant chemicals, which are banned by the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention," the report says.

The SBU notes that Russia mainly uses these chemical weapons in the form of drops released from FPV drones targeting Ukraine's defensive positions.

According to the investigation, Russia primarily uses toxic chemicals in the hottest battle zones and tries to conceal their use under heavy artillery fire. The SBU has identified Russian grenades containing toxic substances and collected soil samples, which were then sent to the International Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

"Two independent laboratories from the organization confirmed Russia's war crimes," the SBU adds.

The report also notes that over 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been treated for chemical poisoning at military hospitals and other medical facilities.

Based on this evidence, Kirillov has been served a notice of suspicion in absentia for committing a war crime under Ukrainian law (Article 438 of the Criminal Code).

Note: According to the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

• According to Ukraine’s permanent representative to the OPCW, Oleksandr Karasevych, Russian forces continue to violate international law, specifically by frequently using ammunition laced with dangerous chemical agents.