U.S. Accuses Russia of Using Chemical Weapons Against Ukrainian Troops, Imposes New Sanctions

The United States has formally accused Russia of utilizing the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces, in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The U.S. State Department delivered a determination to Congress under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act, re-imposing restrictions on foreign military financing, U.S. government lines of credit, and export licenses for defense articles and national security-sensitive items going to Russia.

In addition to the use of chloropicrin, the U.S. has also determined that Russia has employed riot control agents or tear gas as a method of warfare in Ukraine, which is also prohibited under the CWC. The State Department says these actions are not isolated incidents and are likely driven by Russia's desire to dislodge Ukrainian forces from fortified positions and achieve tactical gains on the battlefield.

In response to Russia's alleged chemical weapons use, the U.S. is imposing sanctions on over 280 Russian individuals and entities associated with the country's military-industrial base, sanctions evasion, and furthering its ability to wage war against Ukraine. The sanctions target three Russian state entities linked to Moscow's development of chemical and biological weapons, as well as four companies that support these entities.

The U.S. Treasury Department has also imposed sanctions on three entities and two individuals involved in purchasing items for Russian military institutes linked to the country's chemical and biological weapons programs. Additionally, the U.S. is sanctioning three individuals in connection with the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who died in a Russian prison after being poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.

Why this matters: The use of chemical weapons is a serious violation of international law and norms. The U.S. accusations and sanctions against Russia underscore the ongoing tensions and conflict between the two nations, particularly in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. These developments could further strain diplomatic relations and escalate the geopolitical situation.

The Ukrainian military has reported over 1,000 incidents of Russia employing tear gas munitions equipped with toxic chemicals prohibited for warfare, including 250 cases in February 2024 alone. At least 500 Ukrainian soldiers have been treated for exposure to these substances, with one killed by suffocating on tear gas. Russia has previously denied using chemical weapons, claiming there are no such weapons in its stockpiles. The U.S. has warned Russia of severe consequences if it continues to use chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. accuses Russia of using chemical weapons chloropicrin and tear gas in Ukraine.
• U.S. imposes sanctions on over 280 Russian individuals and entities linked to military.
• Sanctions target Russian entities involved in chemical and biological weapons programs.
• Ukraine reports over 1,000 incidents of Russia using tear gas munitions with toxic chemicals.
• U.S. warns Russia of severe consequences for using chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons.