Russians used chemical agents against Ukraine 224 times in January 2026 - General Staff
Kyiv • UNN
Russian occupiers used dangerous chemical agents 224 times in January 2026, primarily K-51 and RG-VO gas grenades. Since the beginning of the full-scale aggression, over 12,000 such cases have been recorded.
Throughout January 2026, Russian occupiers used dangerous chemical substances against Ukraine 224 times. In total, since the beginning of the full-scale aggression, more than 12,000 cases of dangerous chemical substances use have been recorded. This was reported by UNN with reference to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Details
The enemy mainly used K-51 and RG-VO gas grenades, equipped with CS and CN chemical substances. These grenades are riot control agents.
These substances are not among the list of lethal chemical warfare agents, are not aggressive solvents for equipment or personal protective equipment, and are not intended for immediate lethal effect. In a number of states, they are officially used by law enforcement agencies exclusively in peacetime for law enforcement purposes, including riot control, provided strict adherence to established norms and restrictions.
At the same time, in combat conditions, the use of these substances is illegal and dangerous, as they cause severe irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, lacrimation, coughing, suffocation, disorientation, and temporary loss of combat capability.
According to paragraph 5 of Article 1 of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction, the use of such substances as means of warfare is prohibited.
Recall
Earlier, UNN reported that Russians may use chemical weapons of mass destruction if the war in Ukraine reaches a stalemate.