**EU to Accuse Russia of Using Tear Gas as a Method of Warfare**
The European Union is preparing to officially accuse Russia of using CS tear gas as a method of warfare in Ukraine. This move comes after reports from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) documented attacks involving tear gas agents in villages in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
According to documents prepared by the EU Council, Russia’s use of CS tear gas on the battlefield is considered a serious situation that requires immediate attention. The EU has called on the OPCW to investigate and attribute the established use of such substances as a method of warfare. This decision was based on reports published in November 2024 and February 2025, which examined incidents of gas use near Maryivka and Illinka villages.
**Evidence Points to Russian Manufactured Grenades**
OPCW experts have provided evidence of CS gas traces following Russian attacks. The investigation includes soil and water analysis, military interviews, and photos of RG-Vo hand grenade casings, which are believed to be Russian-manufactured grenades. Interestingly, these same grenades were shown being used by Russian military forces in 2024 on a propaganda channel.
**Sanctions List to Include Russian Defense Ministry Units**
The EU sanctions list will include Russia’s Ministry of Defense Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops, along with the 27th and 33rd scientific centers linked to the development and use of chemical agents. This move is seen as a significant escalation in the EU’s response to Russia’s actions.
**CS Gas: A Non-Lethal Agent Turned Lethal Weapon**
While CS gas, also known as “Siren,” is formally classified as a non-lethal riot control agent used by police in many countries, using such substances as weapons is prohibited under Article 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The EU officials note that this move can lead to severe irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, causing suffocation and disorientation.
**A Pattern of Russian Aggression**
This development is not an isolated incident but rather a part of a larger pattern of Russian aggression in Ukraine. As reported by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, capsules containing CS gas have been found inside “Shahed” drones used by Russian forces. This intensifies the use of poisonous gas ammunition at the frontline, which could reportedly lead to fatal consequences.
**A United Front Against Russia**
The EU’s move is part of a broader effort to address Russian aggression in Ukraine and beyond. The US has previously imposed sanctions on Russia for using chemical weapons, specifically related to the use of chloropicrin, a more toxic form of tear gas. This is one of three restrictive measures packages the EU plans to approve in the coming days.
**Conclusion**
The EU’s decision to accuse Russia of using CS tear gas as a method of warfare marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The sanctions list will include key Russian defense ministry units, highlighting the gravity of this development. As the world watches this unfolding drama, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the need for international cooperation has never been more pressing.
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