Europe fears Russia may resort to chemical weapons in the Ukraine war. European capitals worry that a protracted conflict could push Moscow to use more dangerous arms. The Times reports that President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly threatened nuclear use but has largely avoided discussing chemical or biological weapons. Russia announced in 2017 it had destroyed its chemical stockpile, yet Western intelligence suggests only declared amounts were eliminated. Suspicion was raised by the 2018 Salisbury nerve‑agent attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and the 2020 poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Bellingcat research indicates the Novichok programme continued beyond official claims. Sir Richard Barrons, former UK commander, warned that moving to more lethal agents would bring limited military advantage but huge costs, including possible war‑crime accusations and retaliation. Ukrainian army data shows over 9,000 incidents of chemical weapons use since the invasion began, with 6,540 in the last year, mostly tear gas. Sporadic use of chloropicrin was also reported. These violations breach the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention and the Geneva Protocol. The European Union has imposed sanctions and the OPCW confirmed toxic substances in samples from the front line.

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