Russia calls for a clear OSCE assessment of alleged chemical weapon use and shifts in military labs
In Vienna, Russia urged the member states of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to provide a decisive judgment on the alleged use of chemical weapons by Ukrainian forces. The appeal was voiced by Konstantin Gavrilov, who heads the Russian delegation to the talks on military security and arms control. The request underscores Moscow’s position that such actions must be evaluated under the OSCE framework for nonproliferation and security in Europe.
Moscow cites information from its own defense ministry alleging that the United States is relocating military biological laboratories from Ukrainian territory to Poland and the Baltic states. Russian officials say this movement supports their concern about provocative activities by the United States and its close allies near Russian borders. The claim, which remains disputed in international forums, is presented as a matter of regional security and transparency in the context of ongoing tensions in the region.
Gavrilov further stated that the Russian side has received reports indicating that Ukrainian forces used chemical agents in fighting around Artemovsk and Soledar. He described this as resulting in severe injuries and poisoning among Russian servicemen. The assertion is offered as part of a broader call for accountability and adherence to established norms that prohibit the use of chemical weapons in international conflicts.
According to Gavrilov, OSCE member states should issue a categorical assessment of the cited actions in line with the organization’s nonproliferation principles, which were adopted at the highest levels of government. He asserted that such a determination would contribute to a clearer understanding of the facts on the ground and reinforce existing international norms against chemical weapons use.
Separately, steps are described as being taken to document the incident, with the Russian Investigative Committee indicating that the circumstances are being established through formal inquiry. The committee said it would pursue a thorough fact-finding process to verify the events described by Moscow and determine any violations that may have occurred.
On the international stage, Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the United Nations secretary-general, noted that nations are sharing information about alleged chemical weapon use with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. This transfer of data is framed as part of ongoing efforts to track and verify incidents and to ensure that mechanisms for reporting and accountability remain robust amid the current tensions in the region.
Analysts watching these developments emphasize the complexity of confirming claims in conflict zones, where information is often contested and sources may have differing viewpoints. They point to the need for independent verification, transparent reporting, and adherence to established international protocols to avoid escalation and to support the safety of civilians and military personnel alike. The discussions in Vienna reflect a broader international push to uphold chemical weapons conventions and to promote stability through clear, accountable processes, even as countries navigate competing security concerns and strategic interests.