DISINFO: The West is preparing a provocation to accuse Russia of using chemical weapons
SUMMARY
The US and Germany, together with Ukraine and the Technical Secretariat of Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), are preparing a special mission to investigate alleged chemical weapons use in Ukraine to accuse Russia. It is reported that the US fully controls OPCW activities and uses it to target unfavored states, like in Syria. They plan to start an investigation and create fake evidence against Russia, with around four hundred thousand dollars already allocated for this. The OPCW has also been told by its Western curators to ignore Russia's statements about Ukraine violating the Convention rules.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative attacking the independence and integrity of the OPCW.
Experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) conducted a Technical Assistance Visit in Ukraine upon the country’s request from 2 to 3 July 2024. The Visit consisted of the delivery of 70 LCD 3.3 detectors – advanced warning devices that alert to gas and vapour threats. OPCW experts also provided training on how to use the detectors for 20 experts from the Ukrainian State Emergency Service, including first responders, firefighters, and medics.
All expenses for the equipment were covered by voluntary contributions from OPCW Member States to the Article X Trust Fund, which provides assistance and protection to Ukraine upon request. So far, 15 States Parties have contributed a total of EUR 3.9 million to the Fund, with EUR 2.4 million already used or allocated.
The Secretariat of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has been monitoring the situation on the territory of Ukraine since the start of the war in February 2022 in relation to allegations of use of toxic chemicals as weapons. Both the Russian Federation and Ukraine have accused one another and reported allegations of use of chemical weapons to the Organisation. The information provided to the Organisation so far by both sides, together with the information available to the Secretariat, is insufficiently substantiated.
On May 1st, the United States announced new sanctions against Russia for its involvement in the war with Ukraine and alleged use of chemical weapons, including chloropicrin and riot control agents banned under international agreements. Russia has denied these accusations.
Any investigation by the OPCW into the use of toxic chemicals as weapons requires a formal request from member states involved. So far, the Secretariat has not received any such request for action.
It is important to note that all 193 OPCW Member States, thus including the Russian Federation and Ukraine, have committed never to develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, transfer or use chemical weapons.
Read previous disinformation claims alleging that OPCW suppressed key evidence in Douma chemical attack probe; The OPCW has a policy of throwing baseless accusations; that the chemical attacks in Syria have been staged and filmed by the media of the Western countries; that the Navalny poisoning could be a strategy of the West to introduce anti-Russian sanctions, that Russia is accused of poisoning without proof; or that US used Navalny case to block Russian vaccine against COVID-19.