Russian Strike Warning: Ukraine Intelligence Reveals Preparations
- Ukrainian military intelligence reported on January 12, 2026, that Russia is preparing to deploy chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces.
- According to the HUR, the Russian military intends to use the chemical weapons to disrupt Ukrainian defenses and demoralize troops.
- "The use of such weapons is a gross violation of international conventions on the prohibition of chemical weapons," stated a HUR press release.
Ukraine Warns of Russian Chemical Weapon Preparation
Ukrainian military intelligence reported on January 12, 2026, that Russia is preparing to deploy chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces. The Main directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR) stated that Russian forces received shipments of chemical warfare agents on January 9, 2026, at the Kupiansk railway hub in the Kharkiv Oblast.
Details of the Alleged Deployment
- Chemical Agent: The HUR identified the substance as BZ-type incapacitating agents.
- Delivery Method: The agents were reportedly delivered in artillery shells.
- Unit Involved: The 4th Tank Division of the Russian Armed Forces is allegedly responsible for the deployment preparations.
- Target: Ukrainian troops in the Kupiansk-lyman direction are the intended targets.
According to the HUR, the Russian military intends to use the chemical weapons to disrupt Ukrainian defenses and demoralize troops. The intelligence agency stated that the deployment is authorized by the commander of the Russian grouping of forces in Ukraine, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syreyei.
“The use of such weapons is a gross violation of international conventions on the prohibition of chemical weapons,” stated a HUR press release. “The Russian Federation continues to ignore the norms of international humanitarian law.”
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has not yet issued a statement regarding the allegations as of January 13, 2026. The United States State Department has stated it is investigating the reports. On January 11, 2026, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “We are deeply concerned by these reports and are working to verify them.”
Russia has not commented on the allegations. The Russian Ministry of Defence has previously accused Ukraine of preparing to use chemical weapons, claims Ukraine has denied.