Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), in a joint report with Dutch intelligence and military services, has leveled serious accusations against Russia for the systematic use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, in blatant violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
According to The Guardian, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated:
“These weapons are being used systematically and on a large scale.”
“This is an unacceptable path and once again reveals the brutality Ukraine is facing,” Brekelmans added.
He further warned that this precedent poses a threat not only to Ukraine, but to the entire continent and beyond:
“Lowering the threshold for the use of such weapons poses a danger not only to Ukraine but to the rest of Europe and the world.”
The Dutch minister called for increased sanctions, further isolation of Russia, and continued support for Ukraine in the face of this dangerous aggression.
According to the report, based on Ukrainian military records, Russia has carried out over 9,000 chemical attacks since the invasion began in 2022. So far, at least three fatalities have been confirmed as a direct result of exposure to chemical agents.