Dutch intelligence agencies have presented new evidence of Russia's extensive use of banned chemical weapons in its conflict with Ukraine.

Source: Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans in a comment to Reuters.

Brekelmans emphasized that his country has confirmation of the escalating use of chemical weapons by Russia and called for stricter sanctions to be imposed.

“This increase raises serious concerns as it is becoming part of a long-standing trend we have observed for several years, where the use of chemical weapons by Russia is becoming more normalized,” he stated in an interview.

Peter Riesink, head of Dutch military intelligence, noted that their conclusions are based on “independent intelligence.”

According to Brekelmans, at least three Ukrainians have died from the use of chemical weapons, and over 2500 wounded individuals have reported symptoms related to chemical exposure to health authorities.

Riesink also mentioned “thousands of instances” of chemical weapon use, citing Ukrainian data on 9000 cases.

Brekelmans pointed out that the intensified use of chemical weapons poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to other countries.

“We need to escalate pressure even further. This means considering additional sanctions and specifically preventing them (Russia) from participating in international organizations such as the Executive Council of the OPCW,” he said.

Dutch military and intelligence services, in cooperation with foreign partners, have identified concrete evidence of intensified chemical weapon production in Russia.

This includes enhancing research capabilities and recruiting scientists for chemical weapon development, Riesink added. He stressed that Russian officials have instructed soldiers on the use of toxic combat agents.

“This is not just improvised actions on the frontlines; it is truly part of a large-scale program. This, of course, raises concerns because if we do not clarify and publicize what Russia is doing, these trends are likely to continue,” Riesink said.

He described the use of chemical weapons by Russian forces as “almost standard procedure.”

“We specifically linked the use of chloropicrin to improvised munitions, such as filled light bulbs and empty bottles suspended from drones. Regarding tear gas, we see that they are also abusing and repurposing existing munitions to use them as gas carriers,” he said.

Chloropicrin is listed among the banned choking agents by the OPCW, which was created to implement and monitor compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1997.

It can cause severe irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingestion may lead to burns in the mouth and stomach, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

Notably, last May, the United States cited the use of the banned chemical agent chloropicrin by Russian troops against the Armed Forces of Ukraine as justification for then-imposed sanctions.

In October, Britain imposed sanctions on three Russian entities and one individual in connection with the use of chemical weapons by Russian forces against Ukraine.