Netherlands: Russia uses chemical weapons in Ukraine

Netherlands Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans and military intelligence chief Peter Reesink stated that Dutch intelligence has evidence of Russia’s widespread use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine. They alleged that among these weapons is a “choking agent” used to force soldiers out of trenches and target them, which is reportedly dropped from drones.

Brekelmans called for stricter sanctions against Russia, emphasizing that the use of chemical weapons has become a normalized and widespread tactic in the conflict.

Minister Brekelmans stated in an interview, “The main conclusion is that we can confirm Russia is intensifying its use of chemical weapons.” He described this escalation as “worrying,” noting that it is part of a long-term trend observed over the years.

Netherlands intelligence reportedly found evidence that Russia has been using chloropicrin, a banned substance first used by Germany during World War I. Reesink emphasized that their findings are based on independent investigations.

However, Reuters reported that it could not independently confirm the use of banned chemical substances by any party in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Mutual Accusations Between Russia and Ukraine
The U.S. previously accused Russia of using chloropicrin during the Biden administration. Ukraine has also claimed thousands of cases of chemical weapon use by Russia.

Russia has denied these allegations and, in turn, accused Ukraine of using illegal munitions. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed on Wednesday that the Federal Security Service had seized explosives containing chloropicrin in eastern Ukraine.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) stated last year that accusations from both sides were “not sufficiently substantiated” and no investigation was requested.

Findings to Be Presented to Parliament
Brekelmans claimed that at least three Ukrainian deaths are linked to chemical weapon use, with over 2,500 people reporting symptoms related to chemical exposure after being injured on the battlefield.

He warned that Russia’s increased use of chemical weapons poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to other countries. “We need to increase the pressure further. This means reviewing more sanctions and not allowing Russia to participate in international organizations like the OPCW Executive Council,” Brekelmans said.

Reesink added that there have been “thousands of incidents” of chemical weapon use, with Ukraine reporting as many as 9,000 cases. The intelligence findings are expected to be presented to the Dutch Parliament in a letter on Friday.

Intelligence Claims of Evidence
Netherlands military and general intelligence agencies claimed to have found “concrete evidence” of Russia intensifying its chemical weapons production, including increased research capacity and the recruitment of scientists to develop such weapons.

Reesink alleged that Russian officials have instructed soldiers to use “toxic warfare agents,” describing it as part of a “large-scale program.” He warned that if this trend is not exposed and addressed, it is likely to continue.

Reesink also linked the use of chloropicrin to improvised munitions, such as ampules and bottles dropped from drones. Chloropicrin, a banned choking agent, causes irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, leading to breathing difficulties and shortness of breath.