Germany’s foreign intelligence agency (BND) has reported a rise in the use of chemical weapons by Russia in its war against Ukraine. The findings were jointly confirmed with the Dutch security services.
While Russia’s use of tear gas in Ukraine was already known, the new report reveals that the Russian military is now also deploying chloropicrin, a toxic chemical substance. Chloropicrin was originally developed as a chemical weapon during World War I and can cause severe irritation to the lungs and eyes.
The BND also stated that Russia is actively expanding its chemical weapons programme. It is recruiting scientists to support the development and deployment of such weapons, which goes against international laws and conventions.
According to Ukrainian sources, at least three deaths have been directly linked to the effects of these chemical weapons. The situation has raised serious concerns among NATO and EU allies.
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Talks Around the War in Ukraine
In related diplomatic developments, U.S. President Donald Trump recently held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call, which lasted nearly an hour, covered issues related to Iran and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
During the discussion, Trump urged a quick resolution to the conflict. However, Putin made it clear that Russia is not backing down and continues to push its core goals. He said Russia is open to peace talks but will focus on addressing what it calls the “root causes” of the conflict.
Trump later expressed disappointment with the call, saying he did not believe Putin was serious about ending the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to speak with Trump on Friday. He hopes to discuss U.S. military support and reiterated that Ukraine is ready for peace talks if Russia is genuinely interested in finding a diplomatic solution.
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