Ukraine records 237 Russian chemical-agent attacks in May

As reported by Ukrinform, this was stated by Maksym Kravchuk, Spokesperson for the Command of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“Russian troops systematically employ hazardous irritant chemical agents alongside conventional weapons. In May 2026, radiation, chemical, and biological protection units recorded 237 such incidents,” he said.

According to Kravchuk, Russian forces are using K-51 and RG-Vo gas grenades, as well as improvised munitions loaded with CS and CN chemical agents. The primary delivery method is by unmanned aerial vehicles.

“These means are most often used against positions of Ukraine’s Defense Forces to force personnel out of shelters and gain a tactical advantage in areas where Russia is concentrating its main efforts,” he explained.

Kravchuk emphasized that the Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection units of Ukraine’s Support Forces document every instance of hazardous chemical agent use, while collected samples are transferred for forensic examination.

He noted that under the Chemical Weapons Convention, the use of such substances as a method of warfare is prohibited. While CS and CN agents may be used by law enforcement for riot control under strict restrictions in peacetime, their use in combat is illegal.

Although these substances are not classified as lethal chemical warfare agents, they can still cause serious effects, including severe irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, tearing, coughing, breathing difficulties, disorientation, and temporary loss of combat effectiveness.

“In some cases, symptoms may indicate the use of other irritant chemicals or mixtures of unidentified composition,” Kravchuk added.

According to him, trend analysis shows that the intensity of such attacks increases during the spring and summer months. In 2024, the highest numbers were recorded in May and June, with more than 700 and 600 incidents respectively. In 2025, peaks again occurred in May and June, with over 800 and 700 incidents.

Overall, more than 13,500 cases of hazardous chemical agent use against Ukraine’s Defense Forces have been recorded since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Kravchuk said.

In light of the threat, servicemembers are advised not to neglect personal protective equipment, particularly gas masks.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, more than 13,300 cases of Russian chemical munitions use had been officially documented as of May 22.

Photo: Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine