The European Union has for the first time imposed broad sanctions in response to the use of chemical weapons against Ukraine, definitively demonstrating its solidarity in the fight against violations of international law and contributing to the strengthening of the global control system over prohibited means of warfare
This decision was made in response to numerous testimonies and substantiated reports from international institutions documenting the use of hazardous substances in active combat zones. According to official information from the Council of the European Union, the new restrictive measures target three Russian military structures directly involved in research, development, and use of chemical weapons. These include the Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops, the 27th Scientific Center, and the 33rd Central Scientific Research and Development Institute of the Russian Ministry of Defense — all of which are part of the Russian Armed Forces and are directly linked to the means and technologies that violate international norms banning chemical weapons. The sanctions imposed by the European Union encompass 25 individuals and six organizations in response to reports published at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). These reports confirm the existence and use of crowd suppression agents involving chemical substances, specifically CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) and related compounds, which were detected in samples obtained at the Ukrainian frontline. EU representatives stated that Russian troops used these chemicals as a means of combat, violating conventions and Russia’s obligations regarding the prohibition of chemical weapons. The EU’s Deputy Head of Diplomacy noted that the Russian Federation has yet to provide official and convincing explanations regarding the use of these substances in conflict zones. This underscores the seriousness of the situation and prompts the EU to call on international control bodies — particularly the OPCW — to accelerate investigations and identify individuals and entities responsible for the use of chemical weapons. The EU’s official statement urges the organization to urgently establish accountability for these actions, which constitute not only violations of international treaties but also pose a personal threat to the safety and lives of the civilian population in Ukraine. The background of these events indicates increasing tension in international efforts to deter the use of prohibited means of warfare. As early as October last year, the United Kingdom introduced restrictive measures against three Russian military structures and one individual accused of chemical weapons use in a related context. Consequently, in May 2025, the European Union adopted a new, 17th package of sanctions against Russia aimed at increasing pressure and eradicating such threats on the international stage. This package included restrictions on nearly 200 Russian vessels involved in shadow operations to bypass sanctions, as well as strengthened measures against hybrid threats and the protection of human rights. The 18th package of sanctions is already under development. Its goal is to extend restrictions not only to Russian banks supporting the military economy but also to financial institutions of states that sponsor Russia’s defense industry and military outside the EU. These measures are part of the broader international efforts to contain aggression aimed at destroying peace and security in Europe and globally. In addition to military and economic measures, European leaders emphasize the importance of supporting the rule of law and the international regime of control over prohibited arms, including chemical weapons.