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“Russia Accused of Systematic Chemical Warfare in Ukraine – Dutch Defense Chief”
THE HAGUE – Intelligence services from the Netherlands and Germany have obtained evidence indicating Russia’s extensive use of prohibited chemical weapons in Ukraine. According to reports released Friday, these include deploying choking agents via drones to flush Ukrainian troops from trenches and make them vulnerable to gunfire.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans has called for stiffer international sanctions against Moscow, citing mounting evidence of Russia’s intensifying use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine.
“The main conclusion is clear: Russia is escalating its use of chemical weapons,” Brekelmans said. “This escalation is troubling because it reflects a broader trend we’ve been monitoring for years—Russia’s deployment of such weapons is becoming normalized, systematic, and widespread in this conflict.”
Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) confirmed the findings, stating that the evidence was jointly obtained with Dutch intelligence services. The head of the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), Peter Reesink, emphasized that the conclusion was also drawn from independent Dutch investigations.
While Reuters has not independently verified the use of chemical agents in Ukraine, the U.S. government accused Russia in May 2024 of deploying chloropicrin—a toxic chemical first used in World War I—as a weapon. Ukraine claims thousands of incidents involving Russian chemical weapons have occurred.
The Russian defense ministry has yet to respond to requests for comment. Moscow has consistently denied using chemical weapons and has instead accused Kyiv of such actions. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova alleged that Russian security forces discovered Ukrainian explosive devices containing chloropicrin in eastern Ukraine—an accusation Kyiv strongly denies.
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), based in The Hague, stated last year that mutual accusations by Russia and Ukraine were “insufficiently substantiated” and has not launched a formal investigation, which would require a request from member states.
Brekelmans said at least three Ukrainian deaths and over 2,500 injuries have been linked to chemical exposure. He warned that Russia’s growing reliance on such weapons poses a threat beyond Ukraine’s borders.
“We must ramp up pressure. This includes tougher sanctions and revoking Russia’s privileges in international organizations like the OPCW Executive Council,” he urged.
Peter Reesink described “thousands” of documented chemical weapon incidents, echoing a Ukrainian estimate of around 9,000. A letter outlining the intelligence findings was submitted to the Dutch Parliament on Friday.
Although both Russia and the U.S. have officially destroyed their declared chemical weapons stockpiles under the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), Dutch intelligence says Russia has expanded its chemical weapons program. This includes increased research, recruitment of scientists, and battlefield instructions for deploying toxic agents.
“This is not a case of improvised frontline experimentation. It’s part of a structured and large-scale program,” Reesink said. “If we fail to expose and condemn this, such practices will continue unchecked.”
Reesink added that Russian forces have used improvised delivery systems—such as drones dropping light bulbs and bottles filled with chloropicrin—and repurposed conventional munitions to release tear gas.
Chloropicrin, a banned choking agent under the CWC, can cause severe respiratory distress, skin and eye irritation, gastrointestinal damage, and breathing difficulties.
The European Commission is reportedly preparing to sanction 15 more individuals and entities over alleged involvement in chemical weapons use in Ukraine.
Rotating seats on the OPCW’s Executive Council will soon be renegotiated, potentially affecting Russia’s continued presence on the influential body.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has strongly opposed reported moves by the state government to revisit the alleged Offa robbery case involving former Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki and others.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the party made its position known during an emergency press conference in Ilorin on Friday, describing the development as politically motivated and unjust.
PDP spokesman, Comrade Olushola Adewara, said the alleged plan to reopen the case amounts to an attempt to politicise a matter that has already been concluded by the courts.
He alleged that the move was targeted at dragging Saraki into a case in which, according to him, legal authorities had previously found no evidence linking him to the incident.
Adewara referenced earlier legal opinions from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which reportedly stated that Saraki was not connected to the robbery case.
The party insisted that suspects in the case had already been prosecuted and convicted, with judgments upheld at appellate levels, while the matter is currently before the Supreme Court.
PDP urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to focus on governance rather than what it described as attempts to revive old political narratives.
It also called on security agencies to monitor the situation closely, warning that such actions could heighten political tension in the state.
The party further appealed to residents, especially families of victims in Offa, not to allow their pain to be used for political purposes.
Senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that Alli, who serves under the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the declaration on Friday during a formal event held at the Police Field in Yemetu, Ibadan North Local Government Area.
The APC chieftain and Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland said he will be running on the platform of his party.
The event attracted thousands of APC leaders, stakeholders, and members, including top political figures such as Senator Yunus Akintunde, House of Representatives members Akin Alabi, Aderemi Oseni, Akeem Adeyemi, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, Tajudeen Abisodun, and Senator Hamzat Adeseun.
Also in attendance were former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, among others.
Alli said his decision followed wide consultations with stakeholders and was driven by his desire to advance the development of Oyo State.
He noted his past political experience, including serving as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and Secretary to the Oyo State Government under Senator Rasidi Ladoja, as well as his current role in the Senate, where he said he has consistently advocated for his constituents.
According to him, his ambition is focused on delivering better governance and moving the state forward.
A PDP chieftain and convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that Showunmi made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) secretariat in Abeokuta on Friday.
He called for a broad political coalition involving opposition parties and grassroots groups to challenge what he described as the failures of dominant political forces in the state.
Showunmi argued that political parties may choose or endorse candidates, but insisted such arrangements must not deny voters a genuine electoral choice.
He said: “I will be running for governor in the 2027 governorship election. I have come to plead with you to set up a small committee… to determine how we can collaborate to make this happen.”
He also questioned whether Ogun State would experience a “coronation” or a competitive election process, urging stakeholders to allow open political contest.
The PDP chieftain noted that Ogun West’s long-standing exclusion from producing a governor is a legitimate grievance, but stressed that aspirations must still be tested through competition.
He advocated issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027, rejecting “money politics” and challenging aspirants to public debates on governance.
Showunmi maintained that he has no history of violence or political thuggery, insisting the election should be centred on ideas and development plans for the state.
In response, IPAC leadership and other political actors at the event called for collaboration and careful selection of leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
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