100 years of a ban that Russia flouts: Ukraine demands new mechanisms to punish chemical crimes
17 June 14:59
Against the backdrop of Russia’s systematic use of chemical weapons in the war against Ukraine, Ukrainian diplomacy is calling for the creation of new international instruments to ensure the implementation of the Geneva Protocol.
This was stated by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga on the X network, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
june 17 marks the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare. The document became the basis of an international consensus on the inadmissibility of the use of weapons of mass destruction.
“Unfortunately, a century later, Russia continues to undermine this consensus. From February 2023 to May 2025, the occupation forces of the Russian Federation used 9,388 munitions with chemical agents. As a result, 2,509 Ukrainian servicemen sought medical care with signs of chemical damage,” Sibiga said.
According to him, Russia’s disregard for international norms and its use of banned substances require a decisive response.
The Minister emphasized that
- “The perpetrators must be brought to justice;
- Russia must be brought to international responsibility;
- international law should work as a mechanism, not a declaration.
Mr. Sibiga emphasized that only the creation of new legal and institutional mechanisms will allow not only to punish the perpetrators, but also to ensure that such crimes will never happen again.
What is known about the use of chemical weapons in Russia?
Between September 2024 and May 2025, the Ukrainian military recorded more than 6,000 cases of the use of munitions with harmful chemicals, primarily CS (tear gas), CN, chlorine, and others.
Similarly, 815 attacks have been reported since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, most intensively in January 2024.
In 2024, 346 uses of toxic substances were recorded, or about six cases per day.
In August 2014 – 447 cases, and by December 2023 – about 465 attacks.
What kind of substances are used
CS and CN – widely used in RG-K51, RG-VO grenades and other munitions, including drones and artillery.
Chloropicrin – causes severe irritation of the eyes and lungs; the United States and Britain call it a chemical weapon.
There have been documented cases of lewisite, an arsenic poison previously used in World War I.
International response and investigation
The OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) found traces of tear gas in the Dnipro region (October, November 2024).
Ukraine has submitted evidence of Russian violations of the Geneva Protocol and the Chemical Weapons Convention to the OPCW
Health consequences
Ukrainian doctors have recorded cases of chemical burns, respiratory failure, contusions and other symptoms of chemical exposure among the military.
It is estimated that 2,500 servicemen and women sought medical care due to chemical exposure in the period 2023-2025 alone.
Why it is important
Violation of international law – the use of chemical weapons is a serious crime against humanity.
A challenge to regional security – severe chemical attacks significantly increase the threat to civilians and the military.
The need for new tools – Ukraine and international partners demand the introduction of effective response mechanisms and harsh punishment for chemical crimes.
