Russian forces have reportedly started using homemade chemical munitions for drones, known as “drops,” which contain hazardous chemicals. These improvised munitions are attached to commercial drones, such as the DJI Mavic 3 and Autel models, which are used for reconnaissance and combat operations. Unlike serialized products such as K-51 gas grenades and RG-VO gas grenades, the munitions are assembled from everyday components.
A leaked manual from the Russian Armed Forces’ 27th Motorized Rifle Division outlines how the chemicals are utilised. The manual describes the munitions’ purpose, technical specifications, and how they function in battle. The chemicals used in these “drops” include toxic substances such as chloroacetophenone (CN) and chlorobenzalmononitrile (CS), which are banned under the Geneva Protocol. The use of such chemical agents was prohibited in warfare after the Vietnam War, and they have been implicated in numerous violations of international law.
The improvised munitions are assembled using a variety of components, including F-1 grenade fuses, plastid, stabilisers, and adhesive tape. The final product weighs approximately 300 grams, similar to the weight of a hand grenade, and has a range of about 15 metres. The stated purpose of these munitions is to incapacitate enemy forces with toxic chemicals.
In March 2025, Ukrainian radiation, chemical, and biological intelligence units recorded 767 instances of such munitions being used by Russian forces. These attacks have been noted as part of a broader strategy to weaken Ukrainian defences in areas under heavy Russian assault. Chemical warfare units in the Ukrainian Armed Forces have collected samples of these chemical grenades, including the K-51 and RG-VO types, which have been confirmed to contain toxic chemicals.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2023, a total of 7,730 cases of hazardous chemicals being used against Ukrainian forces have been documented. These actions by Russian troops are widely considered to be a violation of international law, particularly the Geneva Protocol, which bans the use of chemical weapons in conflict. Ukrainian officials have condemned these attacks, calling for accountability and urging the international community to hold Russia responsible for its actions.
Samples of Russian chemical grenades RG-VO and K-51 were taken by the chemical warfare units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photo credits: Command of the Support Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
