TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -The German Intelligence Agency (BND) and the Dutch Intelligence Services (MIVD and AIVD) have accused Russia of increasingly using chemical weapons in its war against Ukraine.
In a joint statement cited by Anadolu on Friday, July 4, 2025, the agencies said that Russia’s use of chemical agents is no longer limited to tear gas but now includes chloropicrin, a highly toxic substance especially dangerous in enclosed spaces.
"It was already known that Russia is using teargas in Ukraine, but MIVD, AIVD and BND can now confirm that Russia is also employing chloropicrin, a more potent chemical agent that can be fatal when used in high concentrations in enclosed spaces," the agencies stated.
They stressed that such actions constitute a serious violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which bans the use of respiratory-attacking agents under any circumstances.
A Broader Threat
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said the intelligence assessment was made public to intensify global pressure on Russia and prevent the normalization of chemical weapons use.
"Lowering the threshold for the use of this type of weapon poses a danger not only to Ukraine but also to the rest of Europe and the world. This calls for more sanctions, the isolation of Russia and undiminished military support for Ukraine," said Brekelmans.
In a post on social media platform X, Brekelmans condemned Russia’s use of chemical weapons, calling it horrific and unacceptable.
He wrote, "It is normalised and widespread. Chloropicrin is dropped by drones to drive soldiers out of trenches, and then kill them."
Evidence of a Systematic Program
Peter Reesink, the head of the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), stated that the findings come from their own investigations.
"This isn’t just some ad hoc tinkering at the front line; it is truly part of a large-scale programme. And that is, of course, also concerning because if we don’t clarify and publicise what Russia is doing, it’s highly likely these trends will continue," Reesink said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
According to Reesink, there have been thousands of chemical weapon incidents involving Russian forces in Ukraine. The intelligence report also indicates that Russia’s military leadership, along with its chemical, biological, and radiological defense units, actively supports and facilitates the deployment of these substances.
The Russian government has not responded officially to the allegations. However, on Wednesday, July 2, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, denied the accusations and instead pointed the finger at Ukraine.
She claimed that the Russian Federal Security Service had discovered Ukrainian weapons containing chloropicrin in the eastern region.
Editor's Choice: Russia Launches Massive Attack on Ukraine After Putin-Trump Phone Call
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
10 Countries with the Most Time Zones, France on Top
1 hari lalu
The countries with the most time zones spread out widely from Europe to the borders of Australia, factored by multiple fascinating reasons.
Russia Launches Massive Attack on Ukraine After Putin-Trump Phone Call
1 hari lalu
Russia's massive air strike on Ukraine was launched after Trump and Putin were on a phone call.
Top Russian General Reportedly Killed by Ukrainian Missile Strike
1 hari lalu
Mikhail Gudkov, the Russian Navy's deputy commander, was hit by a missile during the war with Ukraine.
Russia First to Grant Official Recognition to Taliban-Led Afghan Government
1 hari lalu
Russia acknowledges the Taliban government in Afghanistan after previously revoking the terrorist status of the group.
U.S. Foreign Aid: Spending Breakdown and Top Global Recipients
4 hari lalu
Ukraine received approximately US$17.2 billion in U.S. foreign aid in 2023, topping the list of recipient countries, primarily to support its defense.
US Halts Ukraine Missile Supplies Due to Shortage
4 hari lalu
The U.S. has temporarily halted the delivery of certain weapons to Ukraine due to concerns about dwindling U.S. arms stockpiles.
North Korea, Russia Boosting Cultural and Arts Cooperation
6 hari lalu
North Korea and Russia have deepened bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Killed Defending Against Largest Russian Attack
6 hari lalu
This is the third F-16 jet shot down since Ukraine received the fighter jets in February.
Top 5 Most Lavish Celebrity Weddings as Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez Tie the Knot
6 hari lalu
The wedding of Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice has become the center of attention due to its extravagance
Grandfather of MI6's New Boss Turns Out to Be a Nazi Stooge, Nicknamed the Butcher
7 hari lalu
A revelation about the family history of the new MI6 chief, Blaise Metreweli, has sparked controversy after reports uncovered that her grandfather was a Nazi spy.
