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Russian troops have begun using Shahed-type attack drones equipped with capsules with chemical warfare agents. This was reported by the Centre for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine on its official Telegram channel, confirming the information with reference to the special services and the State Emergency Service.
According to the report, a capsule with a CS-type substance was found in one of the destroyed Shahed drones, which is a chemical irritant that causes tearing, respiratory and skin irritation. CS is considered a highly toxic substance and is prohibited for use in armed conflicts under international law if used for combat purposes.
The goal is to defeat manpower, not to destroy objects
As the CPD emphasises, it is not a question of infecting the drones themselves, but rather of delivering poisonous substances through the air. According to experts, CS capsules can be dropped from drones on the positions of the Ukrainian military or in civilian areas to cause damage or panic. This indicates a change in the aggressor’s tactics – from massive strikes on infrastructure to more targeted attacks aimed at physical and psychological exhaustion of the enemy.
The information that the drones’ bodies are treated with poisonous substances, according to the Centre, has not been confirmed. All such allegations are currently considered fake or in need of further verification.
Violations of international humanitarian law
The use of toxic substances in hostilities is contrary to the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and the Chemical Weapons Convention. If the mass use of chemical agents against the Ukrainian military or civilians is confirmed, it will be another war crime by the Russian Federation.
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have already informed international partners of the findings and initiated additional examination of the toxic substance found in the drone.
