The US State Department has accused Russia of deploying a chemical weapon, chloropicrin, against Ukrainian forces, in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. According to the State Department’s claim on Wednesday, the use of chloropicrin was likely aimed at gaining tactical advantages on the battlefield by dislodging Ukrainian forces from fortified positions.
Chloropicrin, originally designed as a poison gas in World War I, poses significant health risks if inhaled. The State Department asserted that this act is not an isolated incident but follows a pattern similar to Russia’s alleged poisoning of dissidents like Aleksey Navalny and the Skripal family with Novichok nerve agents.
Despite denying involvement in the Navalny and Skripal cases, Russia faces increased scrutiny over its alleged use of toxic weapons. In response, the US Treasury Department announced comprehensive sanctions targeting nearly 300 entities across Russia, China, and other countries, aiming to cripple Russia’s military and industrial capabilities.
These sanctions specifically target entities supporting President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, including those involved in Russia’s chemical and biological weapons programs. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized that these actions are intended to disrupt Russia’s war efforts and supply networks.
The sanctions come as part of broader support for Ukraine, with President Joe Biden recently signing a bill to provide additional funding to bolster Ukraine’s resistance against Russian advances. Yellen highlighted the combined efforts to support Ukraine while targeting Russia’s military capacity.
Furthermore, the State Department blacklisted additional individuals and companies linked to Moscow’s energy, mining, and metals sectors. Among those targeted were individuals connected to the death of Aleksey Navalny, although US intelligence officials have determined that Russia likely did not order Navalny’s death.
The sanctions underscore the US’s ongoing efforts to counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and curb international support for Moscow’s actions. Targeted entities include actors enabling Russia to acquire technology and equipment from abroad, with some based in countries like China that have faced pressure for their support of Russia during the invasion of Ukraine.