Russians use chemical and phosphorus weapons in the Kostiantynivka direction — fighter of the "Hyzhak" brigade

Ukrainian military personnel have recorded cases of the russian army using chemical and phosphorus weapons on the Kostiantynivka section of the front. The occupiers are using scorched-earth tactics to destroy civilian infrastructure. Mykhailo Tymysh, deputy company commander of the unmanned systems battalion of the "Hyzhak" brigade, said this on September 11 on Suspilne Studio.

According to the serviceman, russian forces use prohibited weapons in combination with other means of destruction, such as drones and multiple launch rocket systems.

"They are trying to advance in small groups and establish positions using various types of their weapons. They use chemical weapons; there have been cases of the use of prohibited phosphorus drops. There are also airstrikes, MLRS, tube artillery, as well as a high 'density' of FPV drones", - Mykhailo Tymysh said.

The russian army is trying to completely destroy infrastructure in the Kostiantynivka area so that Ukrainian military personnel have fewer shelters.

"KABs fall every day. The enemy is using scorched-earth tactics; it destroys everything. It completely burns the land, destroys all the infrastructure so that there are fewer shelters and it is easier to move around".

According to a fighter of the "Hyzhak" brigade, the russian army's main assault tactic remains the use of small infantry groups attempting to penetrate urban areas.

"We are not allowing the enemy to advance with all the forces of the brigade. We use all possible methods to prevent the enemy from advancing further", - Tymysh explained.

The International Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction was concluded in January 1993 in Paris. The document regulates the storage and restricts the use of this type of weaponry, in particular prohibiting its use against civilian facilities.

Ukraine ratified the Convention in October 1998, while russia also ratified it — in November 1997.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that from February 2023 to February 2025, more than 6,900 cases of the russian army using munitions containing chemical substances were recorded. Overall, by February 2025, more than 2,100 cases of servicemen seeking medical care with symptoms of chemical exposure had been recorded, including three fatal cases.