What do a country that documents the use of chemical substances on the battlefield, cooperates with international experts and consistently fulfils its international obligations, and a country whose troops use such substances against Ukrainian servicemen while its diplomats attempt to convince the world otherwise have in common? The answer is clear: the former has earned the trust of the international community, while the latter must be held accountable.

This was the central message of the meeting of the NATO Committee on Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation held on 6 November 2026 under the title “Ukraine’s Perspectives Ahead of the 31st Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention.” Ukraine was represented at the meeting by Serhii Shutenko, Director of the Department of International Security and Defence of Ukraine.

In his address, the Ukrainian diplomat stressed that Russia’s use of chemical substances in its war against Ukraine is systematic. According to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, since February 2023, more than 14,000 cases involving the use of Russian munitions containing hazardous chemical substances have been recorded. In more than 3,630 cases, Ukrainian servicemen required medical assistance.

At the same time, Ukraine is not limiting itself to statements about Russia’s violations. It collects evidence, submits it to international experts and facilitates independent verification.

These efforts are underpinned by the daily work of Ukrainian specialists. They document chemical incidents and collect evidence near the front line, under Russian shelling and drone attacks, putting their own lives at risk. Their work has a clear objective: to establish the circumstances of each violation, identify those responsible and ensure that Russia is held accountable.

Against this backdrop, the contrast between Ukraine and Russia within the OPCW framework is particularly striking. Despite Russia’s full-scale armed aggression, Ukraine continues to fulfil its obligations under the Convention and contribute to the work of the Organisation. Ukraine has been elected to the OPCW Executive Council seven times. This reflects the confidence placed in Ukraine by States Parties and recognition of its contribution to strengthening the international chemical weapons prohibition regime.

Russia lost its seat on the OPCW Executive Council in 2023. However, despite its documented violations of the Convention, it is once again seeking to return to the Organisation’s governing body. During the meeting, Serhii Shutenko called on NATO Allies to join forces and consolidate international support to prevent such an outcome.

Participants supported Ukraine’s position and agreed to make every necessary effort to prevent the Russian Federation from being elected to the OPCW Executive Council for the 2027–2029 term.

A state that systematically violates international rules cannot claim a seat among those responsible for overseeing their implementation. Russia must be held accountable for using chemical substances against Ukrainian servicemen, rather than seeking a place at the negotiating table of the OPCW in The Hague.