Amid continued failures to achieve its strategic objectives on the battlefield, russian forces have increasingly resorted to the use of chemical agents against Ukrainian troops. Reports from the Zaporizhzhia region, particularly near the village of Shcherbaky, point to a growing number of incidents involving munitions containing poisonous substances, according to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.
Particularly, russian forces have been deploying the RG-Vo grenades, an abbreviation of the russian term for hand grenade – poisonous substance. These munitions are reportedly dropped from drones onto the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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The chemical agents used in these attacks target the respiratory system and mucous membranes. Prolonged exposure without adequate protective equipment can be fatal. Ukrainian officials have confirmed that the use of these weapons has already resulted in casualties among Ukrainian service members.
The deployment of chemical munitions by russian forces appears to be part of a broader, systematic practice that has been observed throughout the full-scale invasion. Ukrainian authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact composition of the substances being used.
The use of chemical weapons is prohibited under international law, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which russia is a signatory. These developments add to the growing body of evidence of alleged war crimes committed by russian forces in Ukraine.
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