Russian Chemical Weapons Poison Over 2,000 Ukrainian Soldiers

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, over 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been hospitalized due to chemical poisoning, according to Ukrinform news agency. This was announced at a briefing by Artem Vlasiuk, Head of the Environmental Safety and Civil Protection Department of the Radiation, Chemical, Biological Protection Directorate of the Armed Forces Support Command. At the same time, three soldiers died from Russian chemicals.

In particular, irritant chemicals CS and CN were used, which are used in ammunition to combat riots. "In three cases, we have medic reports indicating death due to acute poisoning from an unknown chemical substance," stated Artem Vlasiuk. He emphasized that the Ukrainian army does not use any chemicals.

"These agents are prohibited for use," Vlasiuk added. Ukraine joined the statement on behalf of 59 states in support of the strict implementation of the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention, in particular, the prohibition of the use of chemical agents to combat riots as a method of warfare. The invaders have been using K-51 chemical grenades against the Ukrainian military since the battles for Donetsk airport.

K-51 gas grenade.

Photo from open sources

The impact of the K-51 grenade is several times higher than that of grenades used to disperse demonstrators, as it was designed for the military and special services.

The Russian invaders also use new special RG-VO gas grenades containing an irritant agent against Ukrainian defenders.

Russian RG-VO and RGR hand grenades.

Photo: Military Media Center

According to the results of expert analysis, it was found that the substance from the grenade contained traces of chloroacetophenone (CN), which is a chemical warfare agent with an irritant effect.