Over 13,000 Chemical Attacks: Russia Systematically Uses Chemical Agents Against Ukrainian Armed Forces

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russian troops have executed more than 13,000 attacks employing hazardous irritant chemical agents against the Ukrainian Defense Forces. This alarming statistic has been reported by the command of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, underlining that such actions are part of the enemy's systematic tactics.

In its report, the command states: "Russian troops systematically use dangerous irritant chemical agents alongside traditional means of fire damage. In March 2026 alone, approximately 400 such incidents were recorded." This indicates that the aggressor is actively utilizing chemical agents to achieve its military objectives.

The enemy employs gas grenades of the K-51 and RG-V types, as well as improvised containers containing CS and CN substances. The primary method of delivering these hazardous chemicals is via drops from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Such means are often used to attack the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, aiming to force personnel to leave their shelters and gain tactical advantage in areas where main efforts are concentrated.

Units of radiation, chemical, and biological protection of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are actively documenting instances of the use of hazardous chemical agents. Collected samples are sent for forensic analysis, which allows for additional data to be obtained regarding the nature and volume of these agents' usage. The highest intensity of chemical agents' application was recorded in April 2025, with 894 incidents documented.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasizes that according to the Chemical Weapons Convention, the use of such substances as a means of warfare is prohibited. "CS and CN substances can only be used by law enforcement agencies during peacetime for crowd control under strict limitations; however, their application in combat conditions is illegal," the General Staff highlighted.

These hazardous substances cause severe irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract, as well as symptoms such as tearing, coughing, shortness of breath, disorientation, and temporary loss of combat capability. However, it is important to note that they do not fall under the category of lethal chemical warfare agents. In some cases, the symptoms may indicate the use of other chemical irritants or mixtures of undetermined composition.

Analysis of the dynamics indicates an increase in the intensity of the use of such substances during the spring and summer periods. In 2024, the peak usage occurred in May and June, with over 700 and 600 incidents recorded, respectively. In 2025, the situation repeated itself, with peaks in May and June exceeding 800 and 700 incidents. Given this trend, a further increase in the number of such attacks is anticipated in the future.

In this regard, military personnel are urged not to neglect individual protective equipment, particularly gas masks, to safeguard their respiratory organs. This is especially crucial in conditions where the threat of chemical attacks is rising, and every soldier must be prepared for potential dangers on the battlefield.