Dutch intelligence reveals CW use

Dutch intelligence has uncovered large-scale use of banned chemical weapons by Russia in its war against Ukraine, marking a dangerous escalation in Moscow’s battlefield tactics.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed that national intelligence services have verified Russia’s increasing reliance on chemical agents. He urged stronger international sanctions and called for Russia’s exclusion from global institutions like the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapon (OPCW) Executive Council.

“This intensification is concerning because it is part of a trend we have been observing for several years now, where Russia's use of chemical weapons in this war is becoming more normalized, standardized, and widespread,” Brekelmans said.

According to Dutch military intelligence chief Pieter Reesink, the findings are based on independent Dutch intelligence and international cooperation. He warned that the trend is not limited to isolated battlefield incidents but part of a coordinated program.