Allegations of using chemical weapons in Ukraine needs to come under strict scrutinyThe international debate over chemical weapons in the Ukraine conflict has become a fog of competing accusations, selective evidence, and political self-interest. One cannot dismiss these allegations out of hand; rather, they demand scrutiny, transparency, and consistent application of international law. These reports also mention identification of toxic chemicals by Russian laboratories and allege a pattern of such incidents over time. Western coverage has largely centered on allegations of Russian chemical weapons use, citing OPCW-referenced reports that claim repeated battlefield deployment of riot control agents, a narrative that has even led to EU sanctions. No wonder then that Ukraine’s own record of human rights’ infringements and patterns of behavior in conflict zones factor into how the world should approach any allegation of chemical weapons use.