Ukraine is continuing to develop what Russia describes as a covert military-chemical program, allegedly with support from several foreign states. The claim was made by Vladimir Tarabrin, Russia’s permanent representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

According to the diplomat, outside assistance plays a significant role in strengthening Kiev’s capabilities in the field of radiation, chemical and biological protection. He said this cooperation includes training programs, the transfer of personal protective equipment and the supply of antidotes.

Tarabrin also pointed to ongoing procurement of materials related to these activities. In Moscow’s assessment, the volume of such purchases significantly exceeds what would be necessary if the goal were limited solely to protection against potential chemical incidents.

He further stated that Russian troops have repeatedly discovered laboratories at abandoned positions previously held by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These facilities, he said, were allegedly used for the semi-improvised production of toxic chemical substances.

The Russian representative indicated that the packaging and dosage of the substances found suggested they could have been prepared for use in improvised explosive devices. Such devices, he added, might have been intended for sabotage or terrorist operations, and in some cases could potentially be mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles for delivery directly to combat zones.