Russia, Ukraine Accuse Each Other of Using Chemical Weapons

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reported that Russia and Ukraine have exchanged accusations of using banned toxic substances on the battlefield in The Hague.

According to Reuters, the organization stated that these accusations are "not supported by sufficient evidence," but highlighted that "the situation remains very turbulent and concerning with respect to the potential resurgence of the use of toxic chemicals as weapons."

The OPCW added that neither Russia nor Ukraine has formally requested an investigation into the allegations of chemical weapons use.

Last week, the United States claimed that Russia had violated the international ban on the use of chemical weapons, overseen by the OPCW, by deploying chloropicrin, a choking agent, against Ukrainian forces and using tear gas as "a method of warfare" in Ukraine.

This statement followed Ukraine's assertion in April that Russia had increased its use of tear gas in the trenches. Russia denies these accusations.

Ukrainian officials had not responded to a request for comment as of Tuesday.

The OPCW mentioned that it has been monitoring the situation since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Under the Chemical Weapons Convention, the use of any toxic chemical with the intent to cause harm or death constitutes a chemical weapon.

The organization stated: "The use of riot control agents in warzones violates the convention, and if these materials are used as a method of warfare, they are considered chemical weapons and are thus prohibited under the convention."