DISINFO: Ukraine used chemical weapons near Soledar and Bakhmut
SUMMARY
Ukrainian forces have used chemical weapons several times over the past three weeks in the areas of Soledar and Artemivsk (Bahmut).
Chemical bombs are dropped from drones on Russian army positions. Victims of the attack experience nausea, vomiting, severe dizziness and pain.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation claim about the alleged use of chemical weapons by Ukraine. Such claims are a part of a broader pro-Kremlin information manipulation campaign supporting the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine and trying to place the blame for the war’s atrocities on Ukraine, as our recent analysis explains.
There is no evidence to back the claim that Ukraine may have used chemical weapons during the war, which was started by Russia. In fact, this is an attempt to deflect responsibility away from Russia's own actions, with many Western leaders having real concerns that Russia could use chemical weapons.
Both sides use drones to drop grenades and small-scale bombs. Ukrainian munitions are not fitted with toxins or other types of chemical weapons.
Moscow has a history of falsely accusing its opponents of staging "provocations" which either never happened at all, or were subsequently carried out by themselves or their allies.
Read similar disinformation cases on the topic: US contractors help prepare chemical provocations in Ukraine; Ukraine aims to use Turkish Bayraktars for chemical attacks; Ukraine is preparing a false flag chemical attack to damage the image of Russia; Kyiv will detonate a “dirty bomb” to accuse Russia.