Russia's drone threat escalates with chemical modifications
Ukrainian sources suggest that the Russians have started modifying their Shahed drones again, this time by placing capsules with a banned, irritating substance on them.
The Shahed drones are Iranian in design, and the Russians have been using them extensively almost since the beginning of the ongoing war. Additionally, they have managed to start domestic production of twin drones called Geran-2, under license. The Ukrainians have previously discovered modifications to these designs, which included, for instance, significantly larger warheads. This time they report a modification whose effects may threaten people who find and examine the wrecks of the Shahed/Geran-2 drones.
How the Russians are modifying Shahed drones
The Russians reportedly had the idea of equipping their drones with capsules containing a chemical agent. This is confirmed by the Center for Counteracting Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, which mentioned a highly toxic, concentrated irritating chemical agent. The agent in question is 2-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS). This substance is classified among those whose use in warfare is prohibited under the Geneva Protocol of 1925.
2-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS) is one of the components used in the production of tear gas. Contact with it can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system, and in higher concentrations, it can also cause skin burns and even cardiac arrest.
Wrecks of Russian drones pose a threat to Ukrainians
The Ukrainian group InformNapalm, which specializes in open-source intelligence, notes that, so far, such Russian actions are most likely not being conducted on a large scale, but they should not be ignored. This tactic is aimed at causing additional harm to people who will be collecting the wrecks of downed drones.
"InformNapalm" notes that, so far, there is no concrete evidence indicating this is a widespread issue. However, the advice to avoid handling the debris of downed drones without first checking for potential chemical threats is seen as a reasonable precaution. They point out that Russia has long maintained specialised institutes focused on developing chemical weapons, and its intelligence agencies have a history of using such agents against critics of President Putin abroad.
