Ukraine began recording episodic cases of the use of dangerous chemical substances by Russian troops from the beginning of the full scale invasion, but since February of 2023 it has become systematic. 

In such a way Russia brutally violates the Chemical Weapons Convention, by using hazardous chemical substances (gas, gas grenades as well as improvised explosive devices equipped with irritant substances) against the Defense Forces of Ukraine and conducting artillery shelling with them in violation of the rules of war. Such actions are yet another example of Russia’s chronic disregard for rules of international law. 

In total, since February 2023 the Ukrainian Defense Forces recorded at least 7730 cases of use of ammunition containing hazardous chemicals by Russia. 

The use of chemical weapons and chemical riot control agents as a method of warfare constitutes a gross violation of international law and threatens the achievement of a world free of chemical weapons. 

Russian Federation deliberately undermines the pillars of global security architecture and weakens the principles of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.