The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has confirmed the presence of banned CS gas in samples from Ukraine’s conflict zone, raising serious concerns about chemical weapons use in modern warfare.
At a Glance
- OPCW found banned CS riot gas in samples from Ukraine’s conflict area
- CS gas is prohibited in war zones under international conventions
- Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of using chemical weapons
- Findings highlight the importance of enforcing the Chemical Weapons Convention
- The OPCW did not attribute the use of CS to either Ukraine or Russia
OPCW Confirms Presence of Banned CS Gas
In a startling development, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has announced the discovery of banned CS riot gas in samples collected from Ukraine’s conflict zone. The samples, which included grenade shells, soil, and vegetation, were taken from an area near Illinka in the Dnipropetrovsk region following an incident on September 20.
According to reports, the results of analyses of samples conducted by two OPCW designated laboratories indicate that both a soil sample and a grenade contain remnants of the riot control agent known as CS.
This confirmation marks the first verified use of riot control gas in active fighting areas in Ukraine, raising alarm bells about potential violations of international chemical weapons prohibitions.
The use of CS gas and other toxic weapons is strictly forbidden in war zones under the OPCW convention. The Chemical Weapons Convention, which both Ukraine and Russia have signed, explicitly bans the use of riot control agents like CS gas as a method of warfare.
Both the United Kingdom and the United States have accused Russia of using chloropicrin and riot control agents in Ukraine, alleging violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention. However, Russia has denied these claims and asserts that it no longer possesses a military chemical arsenal.
— OPCW (@OPCW) November 18, 2024
OPCW Investigation and Findings
The OPCW’s investigation was initiated at Ukraine’s request following three alleged incidents of chemical weapons use in October 2024. The organization collected extensive documentation, digital files, and witness testimonies during their visit to the conflict area.
While the OPCW confirmed the chain of custody for the samples, they did not attribute the use of CS to either Ukraine or Russia. This marks the second confirmed instance of riot-control agent grenades being found in the Dnipropetrovsk region, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The discovery of CS gas in the conflict zone has reignited concerns about chemical weapons use and the enforcement of international prohibitions.
If Ukraine is lying about this, shouldn’t we stop funding them…immediately?
Or perhaps we should have done that already…
