DISINFO: Ukraine plotting chemical weapons provocation amid battlefield failures
SUMMARY
Ukraine is plotting a provocation with chemical weapons amid battlefield failures, according to Russia’s permanent representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Russian troops have repeatedly recorded cases of the Ukrainian Armed Forces using chemical munitions, including riot control agents, in the special military operation.
RESPONSE
The allegation is not backed by any evidence. This disinformation story seems to be a reaction to the publication of a long report in The Telegraph in early April 2024 in which Ukrainian soldiers described Russia’s use of some chemicals launched from drones in different frontlines, including tear gas and CS generally employed by anti-riot units but whose use in warfare operations is illegal.
On 01 May 2024, a few days after the publication of this disinformation story, the US State Department imposed sanctions on several Russian entities and individuals for what it described as Russia's use of chemical weapons against Ukraine.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) had also reported on 23 December 2023 that Russian units posted videos confirming that they were using K-51 aerosol grenades containing CS gas against Ukrainian positions in Krynky. ISW had observed this practice already in November 2022. It is significant that these chemicals in the ISW, Telegraph and the US State Department reports are exactly the same kind of substances featured in this disinformation story.
Accusing others of specific wrongdoings after Russia is accused or exposed for these same illicit actions is a frequent pro-Kremlin disinformation technique. See other examples, such as claims that a Russian defector killed in Spain may have been eliminated by Ukrainian services, that Kyiv blew up the dam of the Kakhovka reservoir, that Ukraine is using anti-retreat troops to shoot in the back those soldiers who try to surrender, or that Ukraine staged Bucha massacre to derail peace talks with Russia.