What chemical weapons does Russia most often use in the war against Ukraine: explains an expert from the Armed Forces of Ukraine

In the current phase of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the frequency of use of chemical weapons is increasing, which is recorded not only by Western structures, but also by Ukrainian specialized units. In this context, the evaluations of military specialists who have experience and expertise in the field of chemical protection become especially relevant. Anton Gonchar, chief specialist of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Department of the Support Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, believes, that understanding the nature of chemical weapons and their modern use by Russia is critically important for a society that lives in conditions of daily threats.

Anton Gonchar notes that chemical weapons are not only poisonous substances themselves, but also methods of their storage, delivery and use. It includes such well-known compounds as mustard gas, sarin, zoman, VX, as well as “Novichok”, which was used to poison the Skripals in British Salisbury in 2018. These substances have toxic properties and act on the human body in such a way as to cause death or maximum physical discomfort. Chemical weapons are divided into several types – skin-abrasive, nerve-paralytic, etc. At the same time, even common household substances, such as vinegar in high concentration or onion vapors, can cause irritation of mucous membranes and therefore belong to the category of hazardous chemicals if used improperly.

The expert emphasizes that chemical weapons are prohibited by the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, but dangerous chemical substances are a broader category that can be used in combat conditions in gross violation of international norms. Today’s types of chemical weapons are the result of decades of development, including the use of precursors that combine to form combat poisons. It is the presence of precursors that greatly facilitates the process of manufacturing weapons and is one of the elements that allows states that violate international law to bypass direct prohibitions.

Gonchar claims that Russia has all the technical and institutional capabilities to produce, store, and use chemical weapons in combat, despite its 2018 announcement of the alleged complete destruction of its stockpiles. These statements were addressed to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, but actual practice shows the opposite. He has no confidence in the positions of the Russian Federation, as this state has repeatedly violated the norms of both international law and ethical standards.

According to Honchar, Russia’s chemical weapons are not limited to poisonous substances of the “Novichka” type, and also include means of mass destruction, which are prohibited even in peacetime. He cites the example of the RG-Vo chemical hand grenade and the K-51 aerosol grenade, which are formally authorized for use against demonstrators, but are being used by the Russian army against the Ukrainian military. These means cannot be considered legitimate in war because the soldier cannot leave the location like a civilian in a peaceful protest – he must remain in a trench, dugout or trench. That is why the use of such means in combat conditions is a direct violation of the first article of the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Gonchar points out that some chemicals, such as sarin, have gained prominence in the public consciousness due to coverage of the wars in Syria, where their use has caused mass civilian deaths and international sanctions. At the same time, there is less talk about other compounds, despite the fact that they also pose a great threat. He explains this by the fact that some munitions are easier to manufacture, store and deliver to the target. For the creation of substances with a skin-abrasive effect, affordable precursors and minimal infrastructure are required. Instead, nerve agents require a more complex production chain, complex storage and high technologies.

The expert compares it with cars: conditional mustard-type substances are “Renault”, which are mass and well-known, but “Novichok” is a conditional “Maybach”: it is scarce, it is difficult to manufacture, it is technologically complex, but very dangerous. It is precisely because of the complexity of synthesis and storage that some of these substances are rarely mentioned in public space. He notes that the Support Forces Command operates in Ukraine, which has mobile sampling teams — extremely fast teams equipped with the latest equipment that work together with the SBU or SSO. They collect samples of dangerous chemicals, ammunition, equipment, clothing, gas masks, etc. directly on the frontline. Since February 2023, more than 10,000 cases of the use of dangerous chemicals have already been recorded, about 760 in the previous month alone, and 7 per day.

Gonchar emphasizes that there were no such opportunities until February 2023 due to the lack of a proper screening mechanism that would meet the requirements of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ chain of evidence. If the chain is broken, the materials cannot be used in court. Currently, mobile groups operate professionally, and their activities allow to initiate criminal proceedings not only in Ukraine, but also through international structures. The OPCW Protocols contain specific references to Article 1, Paragraph 5 of the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which both Russia and Ukraine have signed. Thus, the blame is clearly fixed on the aggressor.

The expert believes that Russia started using chemical weapons back in 2014-2015, but at that time there were no detection mechanisms in Ukraine. Modern mobile groups are equipped to work both day and night, have EW support and act in a coordinated manner, understanding that a risky operation awaits them in the combat zone. Actions are practiced: it is clearly known who is responsible for what, where to park cars, with whom to coordinate, which samples to collect.

Regarding the places and times of use of chemical weapons, Gonchar notes that they are most often used where Russian troops are trying to push out Ukrainian defenders, in particular in the Pokrovsky direction, near Kupyansk and Lyman. Poisonous substances show the greatest effectiveness in the warm season, when evaporation is more active – in summer, spring and autumn. In winter, their action is weaker. They are used both during the day and at night, but more often during the day, given the intensity of the assaults.

Gonchar indicates that among the most frequently used substances is chlorpicrin. In the USSR, it was used to test gas masks in tents: if the gas mask was properly fitted, chloropicrin vapors did not cause symptoms; if not, the soldiers coughed, their eyes watered. According to the expert, Russia has large reserves of chlorpicrin precisely for such purposes and actively uses it. 88% of all cases of use of chemical substances concern grenades (RGVO, K-51, etc.). Less so – artillery shells and aerosols. In second place in terms of frequency are self-made devices: for example, light bulbs filled with chlorpicrin or another liquid, which are dropped from drones. Such devices are difficult to find, because the substance can spill over the entire area. Despite this, mobile groups cope with it.

Regarding phosphorous ammunition, Gonchar emphasizes that it is not a chemical weapon. They are used for lighting and kindling, and contain white phosphorus, which burns at a high temperature and is difficult to extinguish. This is a firearm, not a poisonous substance. Likewise, thermobaric munitions do not fall under the definition of chemical weapons. They create excess pressure. The arsenal of the Armed Forces has a whole line of such tools: from jet infantry flamethrowers to mobile Sivalka systems.

Gonchar refutes the widespread fakes about the possibility of filling kamikaze drones, such as Shahediv, with chemicals. He explains that a drone explosion destroys the substance, and even if it is sprayed, weather conditions quickly neutralize it. After a few minutes to half an hour, there will be no effect. He calls these statements disinformation of the Russian Federation.

Regarding the sources of supply of chemical weapons, Gonchar points out that there are research laboratories in Russia that manufacture these means. He mentions the case of Major General Kirillov, the head of the Russian Armed Forces, who was suspected by the SBU on December 16, 2024, and was killed with explosives the next day. According to the expert, it was he who gave the orders to supply advanced units with combat chemical grenades. He also claims that Russia’s 155th Marine Brigade is among the most recorded in the use of chemical weapons.

Regarding defense, Gonchar believes that the main thing is to have knowledge, skills and experience. It reduces fear. He emphasizes: personal protective equipment – gas masks, respirators, glasses, filter boxes – should always be with you. All substances classified as chemical weapons are liquids, not gases, although volatile, so contact with unknown liquids or odors should be avoided. If they are detected, experts should be called immediately. In addition, the expert advises not to succumb to fakes, but to check information only in official sources.