This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram on June 3.
It notes that russian troops are systematically using hazardous irritant chemical substances alongside conventional means of firepower. In May 2026 alone, 237 such incidents were recorded.
“The enemy uses K-51 and RG-Vo gas grenades, as well as improvised containers filled with CS and CN substances. The primary delivery method is deployment from unmanned aerial vehicles. These agents are most often used against positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in order to force personnel to leave shelters and to gain a tactical advantage in areas where main offensive efforts are concentrated. The radiation, chemical, and biological protection units of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine document cases of hazardous chemical substance use, and collected samples are transferred for forensic examination. The highest intensity of use was recorded in April 2025, with 894 incidents”, - the statement said.
It is noted that under the Chemical Weapons Convention, the use of such substances as a method of warfare is prohibited. CS and CN substances may be used by law enforcement agencies in peacetime solely for riot control under strict restrictions, but their use in combat conditions is illegal.
Although these substances are not classified as lethal chemical warfare agents, they still pose a danger: they cause severe irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, tearing, coughing, suffocation, disorientation, and temporary loss of combat capability. In some cases, symptoms may indicate the use of other chemical irritants or mixtures of unknown composition.
“Analysis of the dynamics indicates an increase in the intensity of the use of such substances during the spring and summer period. In 2024, the peak occurred in May and June (more than 700 and 600 incidents respectively), while in 2025 it occurred in May and June (more than 800 and 700 incidents respectively). Taking this trend into account, a further increase in the number of such attacks is expected. In this regard, military personnel should under no circumstances neglect personal protective equipment, especially gas masks for respiratory protection”, - the statement notes.
