**Ukraine Charges Russian General Over Use of Banned Chemical Munitions**
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has charged Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Armed Forces‘ radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops, with using banned chemical weapons in Ukraine.
According to an investigation by the SBU, chemical weapons have been used in over 4,800 cases since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. More than 2,000 Ukrainian service members have been hospitalized with chemical poisoning, and three have died.
The Russian military allegedly uses ammunition with toxic substances dropped from drones on Ukrainian positions. When detonated, the chemical grenades release irritating gases that force Ukrainian soldiers to leave their trenches, exposing them to Russian gunfire.
**Evidence of Chemical Weapon Use**
Ukraine handed over soil samples to independent laboratories for examination. The results confirmed that Russia had used banned materials, violating international humanitarian law.
The UK had already issued sanctions against Kirillov and his unit in October due to the use of chemical weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine.
**New Developments**
* North Korea has lost almost 100 soldiers in Ukraine.
* Russian forces suffered over 1,070 casualties just over the past day.
* The US may restrict how Ukraine can use American arms.
* Slovakia’s president believes that peace cannot be achieved without some territorial losses for Ukraine.
* Lithuania and Estonia have imposed sanctions on Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
**Russian Activities**
* Russia is preparing for a possible war with NATO in the next 10 years, according to Defense Minister Andrei Belousov.
* Syria’s central bank flew nearly two tonnes of cash into the country, which was then deposited in sanctioned Russian banks.
* The money will be channeled through Norway’s civil and military support program for Ukraine.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com