U.S. accuses Russia of using chemical weapons in Ukraine
Source: Axios
4 hours ago
The U.S. State Department formally accused Russia of violating an international ban on chemical weapons throughout its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Why it matters: In addition to the accusation, the State Department and Department of Treasury announced sanctions on over 280 individuals and entities connected to Russia's military-industrial base and financial system.
Driving the news: The U.S. State Department said in a statement that Russia has used chloropicrin against Ukrainian soldiers.
The choking agent causes lung, eye and skin irritation and potentially vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. It said that Russia's use of such chemicals in Ukraine "is not an isolated incident" and is likely driven by its effort to dislodge Ukrainian soldiers from fortified positions. The chemical is often used in riot control efforts but was banned on the battlefield by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
What they're saying: "Russia's ongoing disregard for its obligations to the CWC comes from the same playbook as its operations to poison Aleksey Navalny and Sergei and Yulia Skripal with Novichok nerve agents," the State Department said.
The Treasury Department said it targeted three Russia-based entities and two individuals involved in procuring items for Russia's chemical and biological weapons programs with sanctions. Separately, the State Department targeted three Russian government entities and four Russian companies associated with Russia's chemical and biological weapons programs.
Read more: https://www.axios.com/2024/05/02/russia-chemical-weapons-ukraine-us
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