Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems targeted a Russian-operated facility reportedly used to produce chemical munitions in the occupied city of Avdiivka on March 23.
Footage of the strike was issued by Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces. As per to him, the operation was performed by drone operators from the 9th Battalion “Kairos” of the 414th Brigade “Birds of Madyar,” using Ukrainian-made FP-2 strike drones.
The targeted site was defined as a workshop included in manufacturing improvised munitions containing chloropicrin, a chemical agent traditionally used as a tear-inducing substance. The strike seems to have been targeted at disrupting localized manufacture capabilities.
Data from Ukrainian military sources shows that using chemical irritants by Russian forces has expanded notably. Nearly 12,000 recorded cases of dangerous chemical substance use have been documented since the begin of the entire-scale invasion, with more than half of—6,540 incidents—happening in 2025 alone. In January and February 2026, over 600 additional cases were reported.
Russian forces usually deploy gas grenades consisting of K-51 and RG-VO, provide with CS and CN irritant agents usually related with riot control. Improvised munitions includes chloropicrin are also used, though less frequently. These substances are frequently brought via drones against Ukrainian defensive positions to force personnel out of shelters and expose them to conventional fire.
While such agents aren’t categorized as lethal chemical weapons, their use in combat operations is illegitimate below international law. The Chemical Weapons Convention bans use of riot control agents as a method of warfare regardless of their supposed lethality.
Earlier, it was reported that a Russian state-affiliated institute concerned in the production of chemical weapons persist to accumulate important additives for prohibited munitions, correctly bypassing significant worldwide sanctions.
