International Observers Confirm First Evidence of Russia Using Banned Tear Gas in Ukraine

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has confirmed for the first time the presence of the banned CS gas in shell fragments and soil samples from a combat zone in Ukraine.

CS gas, also known as 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, is a chemical compound commonly used as a riot control agent. It is better known as tear gas and is designed to incapacitate individuals temporarily by irritating the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. CS gas can pose significant health risks, especially in confined spaces or when used excessively, and is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

According to the OPCW, the samples were collected after an incident on September 20, 2024, near the village of Illinka in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Independent laboratory analyses confirmed that the grenade and soil samples from a trench contained traces of CS gas.

The OPCW clarified that the report does not seek to determine the source or origin of the toxic substance.

This is the first documented instance of CS gas, designed for mass incapacitation, being detected in an active combat zone in Ukraine.

Ukraine’s General Staff reported on November 8 that Russian forces deployed chemical weapons on the battlefield 323 times in October. Additionally, earlier this year, the US State Department confirmed that Russian forces have used the chemical agent chloropicrin in Ukraine.

Recent statements from Russian telegram channels have acknowledged accusations of deploying chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces.