Dutch and German Intelligence Uncover Widespread Russian Use of Banned Chemical Weapons in Ukraine

 Dutch and German intelligence agencies have uncovered compelling evidence of Russia’s widespread and systematic use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, officials said on Friday, describing a disturbing trend that points to the normalization of toxic warfare on the battlefield.

According to Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, Russian forces have increasingly employed chemical agents—most notably chloropicrin, a World War I-era choking agent—to flush Ukrainian soldiers from defensive positions, exposing them to further attacks. “This intensification is deeply concerning,” Brekelmans said, “as it reflects a broader trend we've observed in recent years where the use of chemical weapons by Russia is becoming normalized, standardized, and more extensive.”

Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), confirmed the findings in collaboration with the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD). The intelligence, reportedly gathered through independent surveillance and investigation, was presented in a formal letter to the Dutch Parliament. News agency Reuters was the first to report on the classified material.

Peter Reesink, head of the MIVD, underscored that the conclusions are drawn from first-hand intelligence. “We have independently observed this activity based on our own investigations,” he said, citing thousands of documented instances of chemical weapon deployment by Russian forces. Ukraine has also alleged over 9,000 instances of chemical agent use by Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

While Reuters has not independently verified the use of chemical weapons by either side, the United States last year formally accused Russia of deploying chloropicrin in Ukraine—an agent far more toxic than riot control substances and banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

Russia’s Defence Ministry has not issued an immediate response to the latest allegations. Moscow has repeatedly denied using prohibited munitions and has, in turn, accused Ukraine of similar actions. Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that the Federal Security Service (FSB) discovered Ukrainian explosives containing chloropicrin in the eastern regions of the country—an allegation Kyiv firmly denies.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), headquartered in The Hague, has previously found mutual accusations from Russia and Ukraine to be "insufficiently substantiated." The agency, which oversees global compliance with the CWC, has not been officially asked to conduct a full-scale investigation—an action that must be initiated by one or more of its 193 member states.

Threat Beyond Ukraine

Minister Brekelmans warned that the implications of Russia’s chemical warfare extend beyond Ukraine. “We must increase international pressure. This includes stronger sanctions and preventing Russia’s participation in global bodies like the OPCW’s Executive Council,” he said. Several seats on the Council will be up for rotation in the coming months.

At least three deaths and over 2,500 cases of chemical exposure-related symptoms have been recorded among Ukrainian forces, according to official health reports. Reesink added that Russia’s actions reflect not isolated battlefield improvisations, but a coordinated, large-scale chemical weapons program.

“This is not ad-hoc tinkering at the frontlines. This is part of an orchestrated effort involving research labs, the recruitment of scientists, and detailed instruction given to troops,” he said. “The use of these agents has become almost standard operating procedure.”

Intelligence reports have detailed the deployment of improvised chemical munitions—including drones carrying gas-filled lightbulbs and bottles, as well as repurposed tear gas canisters—designed to release choking agents over Ukrainian positions.

International Sanctions and OPCW Membership

Despite being a signatory to the CWC and having declared the destruction of its chemical weapons stockpiles, Russia now faces renewed scrutiny over its compliance. The European Commission has proposed expanded sanctions that would target an additional 15 entities and individuals connected to suspected chemical weapons activity in Ukraine.

Chloropicrin, the agent most frequently cited in the reports, is banned by the OPCW. It causes severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract and, if inhaled or ingested, can lead to vomiting, breathing difficulties, and internal burns.

With mounting evidence and international concern, calls are growing for stronger collective action to prevent further erosion of global norms surrounding the use of chemical weapons.