Ukraine Accuses Putin's Troops of Using 'Illegal Gas' in Desperate Attempt to Win Ukraine War

Ukraine alleges that Russia has been resorting to the use of "illegal" tear gas against Ukrainian forces in an attempt to gain an edge on the battlefield, according to statements from Kyiv.

Previously, Ukraine's military had accused Moscow's forces of violating the Geneva Protocol by employing chemical weapons, and this week, they reiterated these accusations, Express reported.

Colonel Serhii Pakhomov, the interim head of Kyiv's atomic, biological and chemical defense forces, asserted that Russia has been caught deploying riot control gas, which is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Pakhomov stated that his units had documented instances of Russian forces using banned riot control gas on over 900 occasions in the past six months, indicating a "systemic" pattern of use.

He explained that Russia has primarily utilized hand grenades containing CS, CN and other gasses during engagements.

In an interview with Reuters, Pakhomov likened the effect of the gas to pepper spray, causing tearing of the eyes and temporary incapacitation, making it challenging for soldiers to fulfill their duties after exposure.

He also mentioned that one Ukrainian soldier had died due to gas exposure, while approximately 500 others required medical treatment.

Dmytro Lykhovii, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavria Group of Forces, alleged that Russia mainly employed illegal tear gas to attempt to clear trenches.

In response, the Ukrainian military has intensified training efforts to educate soldiers on how to handle chemical weapons and has provided them with gas masks.

The conflict in Ukraine has entered its third year and is approaching a potentially crucial phase. With limited military support from Western allies, Ukraine finds itself increasingly vulnerable to the superior forces of the Kremlin.

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During the winter months, Russia refrained from significant advances along the 1,000-kilometer front line, opting instead for a strategy of attritional warfare.

However, analysts suggest that Kyiv's shortages of artillery ammunition, troops and armored vehicles have allowed Russian forces to gradually gain ground.

A significant factor contributing to Ukraine's predicament is the delay in Washington's approval of an aid package, including approximately $60 billion for Ukraine. House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated intentions to push the package forward this week.