Over 1,000 instances of chemical weaponry used by Russia in Ukraine

The Command of Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been meticulously recording instances of Russian chemical weapon usage. Since the conflict's onset, they have identified no less than 1,068 such cases, prominently featuring the use of chloropicrin.

Originally used by Nazis during World War I, chloropicrin doesn't deliver fatal blows in open spaces. Instead, it's designed to induce vomiting, compelling those wearing gas masks to remove them and become vulnerable to more deadly chemical attacks.

In Ukraine, the Russians have deployed K-51 grenades, which contain a high concentration of chloropicrin. While reminiscent of grenades used globally by law enforcement to disperse crowds, K-51s are engineered explicitly for warfare. They aim to flush adversaries out of concealment by using a potent irritant.

Besides chloropicrin, munitions containing white phosphorus have been utilized. This substance, too, serves a dual purpose. Legally, it can be employed to generate smoke and signal. Conversely, its deployment as a weapon constitutes a violation of international laws against war crimes, as detailed by journalist Przemysław Juraszek.

The horror of white phosphorus lies in its capacity to cause severe harm. It ignites spontaneously upon exposure to oxygen, burning at temperatures exceeding 1832 degrees Fahrenheit. Attempts to extinguish it with water are futile, as ignited pieces persist in burning underwater. When white phosphorus makes contact with the skin, it adheres and burns down to the bone, requiring immediate and drastic measures for removal.