OPCW Finds Tear Gas Traces in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Region

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has confirmed the presence of tear gas, a banned riot control agent, in samples collected from Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukraine had previously requested OPCW assistance, leading to investigations into three separate incidents where chemical weapons were allegedly used. The OPCW identified traces of tear gas on grenade shells and in soil samples from the area, corroborating claims that Russia has unlawfully deployed such agents in warfare. Additionally, a report indicated the detection of the banned CS gas in samples handed over by Ukraine, which included environmental specimens and grenade shells. Both Ukraine and the U.S. allege that Russia is responsible for these violations, although the OPCW did not assign blame in its findings. This ongoing situation raises significant concerns regarding compliance with international chemical weapons treaties.