Dutch and German Intelligence Claim Widespread Deployment of Chloropicrin, Urge Tougher Sanctions
THE HAGUE/BERLIN — Russia is increasingly using chemical weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine in violation of international law, according to explosive new claims by Dutch and German intelligence agencies. The allegations center on the repeated deployment of chloropicrin, a choking agent banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
On Friday, the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) and Germany’s BND intelligence agency jointly stated there is substantial evidence that Moscow’s forces are engaging in a coordinated and large-scale campaign involving banned chemical agents. These include not only tear gas but also the more dangerous chloropicrin, which can be fatal in high concentrations, especially in confined environments.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans described the findings as “horrible and unacceptable,” asserting that the chemicals are routinely dropped by drones to force Ukrainian troops out of trenches before lethal attacks. “It is normalized and widespread,” Brekelmans posted on social media platform X. He is now pushing for increased sanctions on Russia and its exclusion from international bodies such as the OPCW Executive Council.
Peter Reesink, head of the MIVD, reinforced the gravity of the allegations. “This isn’t just some ad hoc tinkering at the front line; it is truly part of a large-scale programme,” he warned. “If we don’t clarify and publicize what Russia is doing, it’s highly likely these trends will continue.”
Germany’s BND echoed this assessment, confirming that the Russian military’s use of chemical agents amounts to a serious breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the use of lung-damaging agents like chloropicrin under any circumstances.
Despite the damning intelligence, both Russia and Ukraine deny using chemical weapons. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed Ukrainian forces had chloropicrin stockpiles discovered in eastern Ukraine. However, no independent verification has substantiated either side’s claims.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has yet to conduct a full investigation into the allegations, stating last year that accusations from both Russia and Ukraine remained “insufficiently substantiated.” A full OPCW investigation can only be initiated at the request of its 193 member states.
Speaking to Reuters, Minister Brekelmans linked at least three Ukrainian deaths and more than 2,500 injury cases to the alleged chemical attacks. He emphasized the urgency of stronger international action to deter future use of banned agents.