USA. Department of State: Russia used chemical weapons in Ukraine again

The US State Department on Wednesday accused Russia of violating the ban on the use of chemical weapons by using the asphyxiant agent chloropicrin against Ukrainian soldiers. This was not an isolated case – it was emphasized. The use of chloropicrin was “likely driven by a desire … to displace Ukrainian forces from fortified positions and achieve tactical advantages on the battlefield,” the State Department said in a statement.

He announced that he would present to the US Congress findings that Russia's use of chloropicrin against Ukrainian soldiers constitutes a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Chloropicrin is a highly irritating and deadly chemical compound used, among other things, to suppress riots. It is included in the list of agents prohibited by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), established to monitor compliance with the convention.

The Ukrainian side claims that Russia is increasingly using illegal means to suppress riots in Ukraine. During demonstrations, civilians can escape the gas, but soldiers stuck in trenches and without gas masks can either flee under enemy fire or risk suffocation.

The State Department also said it was imposing sanctions on three Russian state entities linked to Moscow's chemical and biological weapons programs, including a specialized military unit that facilitated the use of chloropicrin against Ukrainian soldiers. Sanctions were also imposed on four Russian companies supporting these three entities.

Separately, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on three entities and two individuals involved in purchasing materials for Russian military institutes involved in the country's chemical and biological weapons programs.

During OPCW meetings, Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of violating the treaty, but the OPCW claims that it has not been formally asked to initiate an investigation into the use of prohibited substances in Ukraine.