Every 150 minutes a chemical missile explodes in Ukraine. Russia does not deny this

Russia is employing a World War I-style approach in its conflict with Ukraine, resorting to the use of chemical weapons against the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The use of such weapons has been strictly prohibited by the Chemical Weapons Convention since 1997.

Typically, Russians deploy tear gas grenades, but occasional reports indicate the use of lewisite, a substance containing arsenic trichloride.

Despite the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Russia itself ratified, explicitly banning lewisite, the Russians have constructed a processing plant for this chemical substance in the town of Kambarka in Udmurtia. Lewisite, known for its severe toxicity, has the capability to penetrate gas masks and protective suits. Its exposure can result in burns to the skin and mucous membranes, causing significant damage to the kidneys, liver, brain, and even leading to cardiac arrest. Ingesting a substantial dose of lewisite may result in complete disability or death.

The deliberate use of lethal chemical agents by Russia on the battlefield serves as a compelling argument for providing Ukraine with effective security guarantees. The blatant disregard for international agreements and the devastating impact of these prohibited weapons on human health underscores the urgency of addressing the situation and ensuring the safety of the Ukrainian population.

The latest report from the Institute for War Studies (ISW) highlights the use of chemical weapons by Russians, with analysts relying on data from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to their estimates, the Russian armed forces have employed chemical weapons in Ukraine 626 times since the onset of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

In the first half of 2024, within less than a month, they used such weapons at least 51 times.

Russia does not spare Ukraine. It attacks with chemical weapons on average 10 times a day

Russia is relentless in its attacks on Ukraine, deploying chemical weapons on average 10 times a day. The Ukrainian General Staff reports that Russian military forces target Defense Force positions with chemical weapons, using drones to drop K-51 grenades filled with the irritating CS gas (2-chlorobenzalmononitrile).

For instance, on December 14, 2023, Russians utilized a new type of gas grenade containing CS gas against Ukrainian soldiers. Moreover, on December 22, 2023, the 810th Naval Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces admitted to intentionally deploying chemical weapons against the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The war criminals confessed to dropping K-51 grenades from drones on Ukrainian positions near the village of Krynki on the left bank of the Dnieper in the Kherson Oblast.

Despite being a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the use of chemical weapons in warfare, Russia continues these actions, as noted by ISW.

What is a K-51 grenade?

The K-51 grenade, a Soviet non-lethal tear gas hand-held aerosol grenade developed in the 1970s, is at the center of these attacks. It was previously used by the Soviet army, notably during the dispersal of mass protests in Tbilisi on April 9, 1989, resulting in 19 deaths and almost 4,000 injuries.

The grenade's body is made of hard plastic, with a metal bottom. Upon ignition, a reaction occurs, increasing the pressure inside the casing and forcing out the bottom, dispersing the powdered chemical. There are two versions of the grenade's content: CS - 2-chlorobenzalmononitrile.

According to media, the grenade's indoor effect covers an area of 400 square meters.