The Russians have ruled that area for several hundred years. How far back do you go? Fifty years? Five hundred years? Do you tell one group that they deserve their own country and another group that they don't?
Actually, the Checheyns had self-rule after the first war. Then came the bombings of the apartment buildings in Moscow (which some claim Putin did to get elected) and the war started up again.
I have no clue as to why the Russian Govt. has refused to identify the gas. Any substance can be dangerous if used in large enough quantities. Water will kill you if you inhale too much of it but try to live without it.

troll