Health and Safety Threats to Ukraine From Nonconventional Weapons

Abstract

This Viewpoint discusses the potential for use of nonconventional warfare threats (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives) in the conflict in Ukraine and how health care professionals need to recognize and respond to these threats.

Evaluation of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Knowledge Change and Skills Confidence Among Frontline-Line Providers During the Russia-Ukraine War

“…The majority of the over 50 chemical weapon attacks in Syria between 2013 and 2018 involved chlorine gas or the deadly nerve agent sarin. 1 While these events have been attributed to the Syrian government, the close relationship between Syrian officials and proxy Russian military leaders suggests that these strategies could be used in the current Ukraine conflict. 1,6 Other incidents such as the recent capture of the Chernobyl power plant and dangerous firefight near Zaporizhzhia (the largest nuclear power plant in Europe) highlight the potential for a significant radiological or nuclear disaster.…”

“…1 While these events have been attributed to the Syrian government, the close relationship between Syrian officials and proxy Russian military leaders suggests that these strategies could be used in the current Ukraine conflict. 1,6 Other incidents such as the recent capture of the Chernobyl power plant and dangerous firefight near Zaporizhzhia (the largest nuclear power plant in Europe) highlight the potential for a significant radiological or nuclear disaster. 1,7 Russia’s military seizure of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is the first documented takeover of an active nuclear power plant and is prohibited by the Protocol 1 Amendment to the Geneva Convention.…”

“…1,6 Other incidents such as the recent capture of the Chernobyl power plant and dangerous firefight near Zaporizhzhia (the largest nuclear power plant in Europe) highlight the potential for a significant radiological or nuclear disaster. 1,7 Russia’s military seizure of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is the first documented takeover of an active nuclear power plant and is prohibited by the Protocol 1 Amendment to the Geneva Convention. As a result, unconventional weapon attacks on opposing militaries, civilians, and governments are a realistic threat necessitating emergency care, mass casualty response, prevention, and proper equipping of frontline professionals.…”

“…Although a focus on trauma response and humanitarian care is essential for the ongoing war, recent messaging by Russian leadership indicates that nonconventional weapons could be used to defend the illegally annexed territories in Ukraine. 1 This necessitates readiness for these warfare threats which include chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) attacks. CBRNE preparedness has been variable among Ukrainian and European Union member states who may be called upon to detect and respond to potential attacks.…”