The Netherlands has accused Russia of widespread chemical weapons use in Ukraine, based on joint intelligence findings with Germany. Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said Moscow has violated international law by using choking agents delivered through drones.

“These are not isolated incidents. We see a clear and systematic pattern,” Brekelmans told reporters, citing thousands of documented cases. The agents are reportedly used to flush out Ukrainian soldiers from trenches, in clear violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

International Response Demanded

Dutch officials are calling for new sanctions on Russia and for its exclusion from policy-making bodies of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The Netherlands has already summoned the Russian ambassador for explanations.

Germany has also confirmed the findings and referred the cases to the OPCW for investigation. Ukrainian forces have reported increasing drone-based gas attacks in recent months.

Russia denies the allegations and has previously dismissed similar claims as “Western propaganda.”

The OPCW, based in The Hague, has not yet issued an official statement.