Russia's drone tactics escalate with chemical modifications
Ukrainian sources suggest that the Russians have once again begun modifying their Shahed drones, this time by attaching capsules with a banned, irritating chemical.
The Shahed drones are Iranian designs that the Russians have employed extensively almost since the outset of the current war. Additionally, they have already managed to commence domestic licensed production of similar drones called Geran-2. The Ukrainians have previously identified modifications to these designs, which have included, for example, significantly larger warheads. They now report a modification whose effects may endanger those who find and examine the remains of the Shahed/Geran-2 drones.
This is how the Russians are modifying Shahed drones
The Russians have devised a way to equip their drones with capsules containing a chemical agent, confirmed by the Centre for Counteracting Disinformation of the National Security and Defence Council, which mentioned a highly toxic, concentrated irritating chemical agent. It refers to 2-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS). This is a substance classified among those prohibited for use in warfare under the Geneva Protocol of 1925.
2-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS) is a component used in the manufacture of tear gas. Contact with it can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory system, and in higher concentrations, it can also cause skin burns and even cardiac arrest.
Wrecks of Russian drones can also threaten Ukrainians
The Ukrainian group InformNapalm, whose members specialise in open-source intelligence, notes that thus far, such Russian actions are probably not being carried out on a large scale, but this should not be dismissed. It is an idea intended to inflict additional harm on those who will be collecting the wreckage 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.
