The US State Department accused Russia Wednesday of using a chemical weapon against Ukrainian forces, violating the Chemical Weapons Convention. In addition to chloropicrin, Russia used tear gas as a method of warfare in Ukraine. The US Treasury Department announced sweeping sanctions targeting nearly 300 entities in Russia, China, and other countries supporting President Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
The sanctions aim to punish companies aiding Moscow in acquiring weapons for the war in Ukraine. They also target Russian government entities and companies involved in chemical and biological weapons programs. Russia claims it no longer possesses a military chemical arsenal but faces pressure for transparency regarding toxic weapons use.
Chloropicrin is identified as a chemical used as both a warfare agent and pesticide, posing health risks when inhaled. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated, “Today’s actions will disrupt and degrade Russia’s war efforts by targeting its military industrial base.”
The accusations and sanctions come after President Biden signed a bill providing new funding for Ukraine’s military to resist Russian advances. The State Department has blacklisted additional individuals and companies involved in Moscow’s energy, mining, and metals sectors, as well as those connected to the death of opposition leader Alexey Navalny.
Targets of the sanctions include actors enabling Russia to acquire technology from abroad, some of whom are based in countries like China. The Treasury Department emphasized that this support poses a threat to international security. Non-Russian entities targeted are located in Azerbaijan, Belgium, Slovakia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
