"This intensification is concerning because it is part of a trend we have been observing for several years now, where #Russia's use of #ChemicalWeapons in this #war is becoming more normalized, standardized, & widespread."

#Germany's BND foreign #intelligence agency confirmed the findings, saying in a statement that it had obtained the evidence alongside its #Netherlands counterparts.…

#WarCrimes #Ukraine #InternationalLaw

The head of the #Netherlands Military #Intelligence Agency (#MIVD), Peter Reesink, said the conclusions followed "our own independent intelligence, so we have observed it ourselves based on our own investigations."

The #UnitedStates first accused #Russia of using #chloropicrin, a chemical compound more toxic than riot control agents & first used by Germany during WWI, in May last year during the #Biden admin.

[#Trump suspended US investigation of Russian #WarCrimes in #Ukraine]

#law

#Ukraine alleges thousands of instances of Russian #ChemicalWeapons use.

…At least 3 Ukrainian deaths have been tied to chemical weapons use, Brekelmans said, while >2,500 people injured on the battlefield reported chemical weapons-related symptoms to Ukrainian health authorities.

Increased use of chemical weapons by #Russia poses a threat not only to Ukraine but to other countries, #Brekelmans added.

#Europe #Security #WarCrimes #InternationalLaw #Netherlands #Germany #Intel #geopolitics

"We must further increase the pressure. This means looking at more #sanctions & specifically not allowing them (#Russia) to participate in international bodies like the Executive Council of the #OPCW," he said.

Reesink spoke of "thousands of instances" of #ChemicalWeapons use, …citing a Ukrainian figure of ~9,000.

Rotating 2-year seats on the OPCW council will be up for negotiation in the coming months.

#Ukraine #Europe #Security #WarCrimes #InternationalLaw #Ukraine #geopolitics

The #intelligence findings were presented in a letter to the Dutch parliament Friday.

#Russia is a member of the #OPCW &…[claims to have] destroyed its declared #ChemicalWeapons stockpiles.

Increased #sanctions could happen in conjunction w/the European Commission, which has proposed listing 15 additional new entities & individuals to its sanctions framework, including for suspected use of chemical weapons in #Ukraine.

#Europe #Security #WarCrimes #InternationalLaw #geopolitics

The #Dutch #military & general #intelligence agencies, working w/foreign partners, say they have uncovered concrete #evidence of intensified Russian #ChemicalWeapons production.

This includes heightened research capabilities & the recruitment of scientists for chemical weapons development, Reesink said. He added that Russian ofcls have given instructions to soldiers on the use of poisonous warfare agents.

#Russia #Ukraine #Europe #Security #WarCrimes #InternationalLaw #Netherlands #Germany

"This isn't just some ad-hoc tinkering at the frontline; it is truly part of a large-scale program. And that is, of course, also concerning because if we don't clarify & publicize what #Russia is doing, it's highly likely these trends will continue," Reesink said.

He called the use of #ChemicalWeapons by Russian armed forces "almost standing operating procedure."

#Ukraine #Europe #Security #WarCrimes #InternationalLaw #Netherlands #Germany #Intelligence #geopolitics