Allegations of Chemical Weapons Use
According to a statement from the US State Department, Moscow has been accused of violating the Chemical Weapons Convention by using “riot control agents (tear gas) as a method of warfare in Ukraine.” The United States also claimed that Russia used the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces, further violating the CWC.
US Sanctions Against Russia
The US State Department detailed sanctions imposed on over 280 individuals and entities to penalize Russia for its foreign aggression and internal repression. Among these are more than 80 entities and individuals involved in various activities, including the development of Russia’s energy and mining production, sanctions evasion, and support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Pattern of Behavior
The statement emphasized that the use of chemical weapons by Russian forces is not an isolated incident but part of a broader strategy to dislodge Ukrainian forces and gain tactical advantages on the battlefield. This behavior is likened to previous instances such as the poisoning of Aleksey Navalny and the Skripal family with Novichok nerve agents.
Sanctions Imposed
America announced sanctions on three Russian state entities involved in the development of chemical and biological weapons, including a military unit reportedly linked to the use of chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops. Additionally, four Russian companies supporting these entities were also sanctioned.
Further Sanctions by US Treasury
The US Treasury imposed sanctions on three entities and two individuals engaged in procuring items for Russian military institutes associated with chemical and biological weapons programs. These sanctions restrict US-based assets of the entities and prohibit Americans from conducting business with them.
Chloropicrin: A Banned Choking Agent
Chloropicrin is classified as a banned choking agent by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). This chemical weapon was notably used by German forces during World War I against Allied troops.
