Russian propaganda channels are currently circulating false information claiming that the Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out a chemical attack in the Kursk region of Russia. According to these channels, Ukrainian forces allegedly resorted to using chemical weapons due to their “inability to break through” Russian defenses. However, the Center for Countering Disinformation in Ukraine has strongly refuted these claims, underscoring that Ukraine strictly adheres to its international commitments, including those outlined in the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The reports from Russian sources suggest that Ukraine violated international law by deploying chemical weapons against Russian positions. Despite these serious accusations, no concrete evidence has been provided by the Russian side to substantiate these claims. The lack of evidence is a key indicator that this is yet another instance of disinformation being spread by Russian propagandists.
In its statement, the Center for Countering Disinformation highlighted that Russian military commanders, who often disseminate propaganda from the Kremlin’s perspective, have a history of releasing videos that allegedly show chemical weapons being used by Russian troops against Ukrainian positions. These actions, if true, constitute a severe violation of the laws of war and are considered war crimes.
This is not the first time Russian propaganda has attempted to spread misinformation to influence public opinion. For example, the Center previously debunked claims of a bacterial infection outbreak in Kherson, which was another fabricated story aimed at causing panic among the population. The Center assured that the epidemic situation in Kherson was normal, with no such outbreaks recorded.