Dutch military intelligence, in close collaboration with German intelligence, has confirmed that Russia is systematically escalating the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces. This revelation, shared by the Netherlands Military Intelligence (MIVD) on July 4, highlights the ongoing violation of international norms by Russian troops. The report, which details the intensified use of chemical substances, includes the employment of chloropicrin, a toxic agent banned under international law due to its potential to be lethal in enclosed spaces.
The MIVD and the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) have conducted joint operations alongside the German foreign intelligence service BND to confirm these allegations, which suggest that Russia has moved beyond the use of tear gas. Reports indicate that chloropicrin is being used for psychological warfare, with Russian troops employing gas grenades dropped by drones to panic Ukrainian forces. This strategy forces Ukrainian soldiers out of their fortified positions, making them vulnerable to subsequent drone or artillery attacks.
According to the MIVD, Russia’s use of chemical weapons has escalated from a previous understanding that the country employed tear gas to the confirmed use of chloropicrin. The Netherlands has been monitoring the situation closely, and MIVD director Vice Admiral Peter Reesink stated that Russia is using these weapons with increasing frequency and ‘with ease.’ This development marks a concerning trend in the conflict, as the threshold for using such weapons appears to be lowering, which poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to European and global security.
Russian military leadership is now actively facilitating these chemical attacks, with the use of banned substances becoming routine for Russian forces. The United States had previously reported the use of chloropicrin by Russian forces in Ukraine, as detailed in an announcement made in May 2025. However, the original statement has since been removed from the U.S. State Department website, raising questions about the transparency of such information.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, who announced the findings to the parliamentary body, called the situation ‘absolutely unacceptable,’ emphasizing the need for more sanctions against Russia, its isolation, and unwavering support for Ukraine. He underscored the importance of not allowing Russia’s use of chemical weapons to become normalized, as this could have severe implications for global security.
The conflict in Ukraine has seen over 9,000 chemical attacks since the full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reports that at least three Ukrainian soldiers have died from exposure to toxic substances. Dutch intelligence has established that the use of chemical weapons by Russian forces is now standard practice, with Moscow also intensifying its investments in chemical weapons development. This includes expanding research efforts and recruiting new scientists for the program. The U.S. has accused Russia of deploying chloropicrin, a weapon historically used as a ‘vomiting agent’ during World War I. The implications of Russia’s escalated use of chemical weapons have sparked international concern, prompting calls for more robust countermeasures and sanctions against Moscow.