Reports that Ukrainian forces are using unidentified chemical substances in attacks on the Belgorod Region come as the battlefield situation turns against Kiev, political and military expert Igor Nikulin told NSN.

Nikulin, a former member of a UN commission on biological and chemical weapons, was commenting on claims made by Olga Mevsha, chief physician of Belgorod Hospital No. 2. She previously reported that Ukrainian troops had used unidentified chemical substances in strikes on the Russian region.

According to Nikulin, the use of prohibited methods of warfare is not a new phenomenon and tends to intensify when the tactical situation deteriorates for the side employing them.

He also pointed to what he described as a restrained international response to such incidents. As an example, Nikulin referred to a recent statement by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte concerning accusations against Russia and their treatment even in the absence of evidence.

Nikulin argued that Russian protests over the reported attacks are unlikely to generate a significant international response. He said Moscow would not resort to reciprocal measures and would instead continue documenting such incidents in the hope that those responsible could eventually be held accountable.

The expert also said that stopping such attacks would require eliminating their organizers. He cited international counterterrorism experience, arguing that successful campaigns against terrorism have not been achieved without removing the leadership of the structures involved.