The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has confirmed the presence of a toxic chemical substance in the fragments of a grenade recovered from the front lines in Ukraine. The investigation, conducted at Ukraine’s request, revealed traces of CS gas, a chemical irritant prohibited under international law when used as a weapon.
According to Ukrinform, the OPCW's findings point to an incident that occurred on September 20, 2024, in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast near the village of Illinka, where frontline fighting has been intense.
Evidence from the Frontlines
During the investigation, OPCW experts collected evidence, including documentation, digital files, eyewitness accounts, and three physical samples—a grenade casing and two soil samples from a trench. These samples were analyzed independently by two OPCW-designated laboratories.
The results were conclusive: the samples contained 2-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS gas), a substance banned under the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (CWC) when used as a method of warfare.
The OPCW emphasized that its testing adhered strictly to its established procedures and was conducted under the observation of Ukraine’s permanent representatives at the OPCW.
Following the report, Ukraine called for the findings to be declassified and shared with all 193 OPCW member states. Ukrainian representatives urged the OPCW to publish the full report on its website to ensure global accountability.
“All 193 member states, including the Russian Federation and Ukraine, have committed to never develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, transfer, or use chemical weapons,” OPCW Director-General Ambassador Fernando Arias stated.
“Any use of chemical weapons is absolutely unacceptable and constitutes a clear violation of international norms and standards.”
The Director-General reaffirmed the OPCW’s commitment to providing independent expertise and thanked the laboratories for their swift and thorough analysis.
Russia Accused of Violating International Law
Ukraine’s permanent representative to the OPCW, Oleksandr Karasevich, condemned Russia for what he described as repeated violations of international law, including the use of ammunition containing dangerous chemical substances.
Speaking at the 107th session of the OPCW Executive Council, Karasevich called on the international community to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
