Russian chemical attacks on battlefield have spiked in intensity

Over 13,300 cases of Russia using chemical munitions have been officially recorded since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and their use has risen significantly since 2024.

Source: Colonel Valerii Veber, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate for Mine Action, Civil Protection and Environmental Safety, in Chișinău, as cited by the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's press service

Details: The Defence Ministry reports that a Ukrainian delegation has presented Kyiv's international partners with data on the dynamics of Russian use of chemical substances. The ministry said that while the use of chemical munitions was largely episodic in 2023, the intensity of attacks has risen significantly since 2024. It added that as of the first half of 2026, usage remains consistently high along the entire line of contact.

Given the ongoing threats from Russia, Ukraine has called on its partners to strengthen support in the field of CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) security. Colonel Valerii Veber presented several key project proposals to international colleagues:

• strengthening capabilities in radiation monitoring and response to radiological threats;
• safe handling of spent sources of ionising radiation;
• improving the level of environmental safety at the Ministry of Defence military facilities.

The Defence Ministry notes that G7 countries are currently reviewing the proposals with a view to allocating additional funding and technical assistance to Ukraine's defence forces.

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