Over 12 000 documented cases of the use of hazardous chemical agents during russia’s armed aggression
Throughout January 2026, the Russian forces, alongside conventional means of firepower, regularly used specialized munitions equipped with chemical irritant agents.
In particular, the adversary primarily employed K-51 and RG-VO gas grenades containing the chemical agents CS and CN. These grenades are classified as riot control agents.
In January 2026 alone, 224 cases of the use of hazardous chemical substances were recorded.
Units of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are documenting each case of hazardous chemical use. Collected samples are transferred for forensic examination.
In accordance with Article I, paragraph 5 of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction, the use of such substances as a method of warfare is prohibited.
In a number of states, CS and CN agents are officially used by law enforcement agencies exclusively in peacetime for policing purposes, including crowd control, and only under strict compliance with established regulations and limitations.
These substances are not classified as lethal chemical warfare agents, are not aggressive solvents for equipment or personal protective gear, and are not intended to cause immediate fatal injury.
However, under combat conditions, the use of CS and CN is illegal and dangerous. Their employment on the battlefield is aimed at temporarily incapacitating military personnel, violates international law, and poses a threat to the life and health of servicemembers of the Defence Forces of Ukraine.
These agents cause severe irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, tearing, coughing, choking, disorientation, and temporary loss of combat effectiveness.
In some cases, the symptoms described by servicemembers may partially overlap with the effects of other chemical irritants, including riot control agents or mixtures of unidentified composition.
Overall, more than 12 000 cases of the use of hazardous chemical substances have been documented during the entire period of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
According to the Communications Department of the Command of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
