Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR MO) has reported what it describes as the systematic use of chemical agents by Russian forces against Ukrainian troops on the front lines. According to Ukrainian military intelligence, recent attacks involving toxic substances have been observed in combat zones, particularly near the village of Shcherbaky in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In an official statement, the agency stated that Russian forces are deploying RG-Vo hand grenades—modified munitions allegedly loaded with chemical substances—by dropping them from drones targeting Ukrainian defensive positions. These agents are said to affect the respiratory system and mucous membranes, posing a fatal threat to unprotected personnel.
While the full chemical composition of the agents is still under forensic analysis, Ukrainian specialists are working to determine the nature of the substances used. The intelligence agency emphasized that exposure to the gas without protective equipment can lead to death. Ukraine’s military has confirmed that there are casualties among its service members due to these alleged attacks.
“The repeated use of such munitions on the battlefield constitutes a war crime,” the HUR statement read, adding that those responsible must face accountability under international humanitarian law.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense continues to collect evidence of these incidents for potential submission to international courts and legal bodies. Officials stress the importance of global awareness and legal response to these actions, which, if verified, would represent violations of the Geneva Conventions and the Chemical Weapons Convention.
This is not the first time Ukraine has accused Russian forces of employing banned substances during combat. However, the recent developments, involving drone-delivered chemical weapons, mark a notable escalation in the methods allegedly used.
