The US State Department accused Russia of having used a chemical weapon against Ukrainian forces in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, while also announcing fresh sanctions against Moscow. In addition to the chemical agent chloropicrin, Russia also used "riot control agents (tear gas) as a method of warfare in Ukraine, also in violation of the CWC," the department said in a factsheet.

Zaporizhzhia

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

The U.S. State Department has formally accused Russia of employing chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces, marking a significant breach of international law specific to the use of chemical agents in warfare. According to official statements, these actions include the deployment of chloropicrin—a chemical weapon originally used in World War I—as well as riot control agents like tear gas, methods that contravene the Chemical Weapons Convention. In reaction to these violations, the U.S. has announced the imposition of additional sanctions aimed at Moscow.

Chloropicrin, identified by the State Department as the chemical used, is recognized as a choking agent that is prohibited by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, based in The Hague. The utilization of chloropicrin and other chemical agents by Russian forces is seen as part of a strategy to remove Ukrainian forces from entrenched positions to secure tactical advantages on the battlefield. This strategy, as described by the U.S., is not seen as an isolated event but rather a repeat of previous tactics employed by Russia in the conflict.

The impact of these chemical weapons on Ukrainian military personnel has been severe, with reports indicating that around 500 soldiers have been treated for exposure to these toxic chemicals. Specific incidents cited include the use of grenades filled with chloropicrin near Zaporizhia, which have been reported to possess suffocating and potentially lethal effects. The concentration of such chemicals far exceeds what is considered permissible, highlighting the serious nature of their use in combat situations.

In response to these documented violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the United States has expanded its sanctions regime against Russia. These new sanctions target individuals and entities connected to Russia's mining and metal sectors, further escalating the economic consequences faced by Moscow due to its actions in Ukraine.



U.S. accuses Russia of using chemical weapons in Ukraine

With bombs raining down yet again on Odessa, the United States has accused Russia of using a World War I gas on Ukrainian soldiers. The gas in question is chloropicrin, a choking agent that is outlawed by the Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The U.S. says using chloropicrin is part of the same playbook that Russia has employed before. The use of such chemicals is not an isolated incident and is probably driven by Russian forces' desire to dislodge Ukrainian forces from fortified positions and achieve tactical gains on the battlefield. Ukraine and the State Department have also accused Russia of using anti-riot chemicals such as grenades loaded with strong tear gases. Unlike during protests when citizens can flee, soldiers are often in trenches where if they move they risk enemy fire. Ukraine says some 500 soldiers have been treated for toxic chemical exposure. As for grenades filled with chloropicrin, Ukraine said last month that they were used in August, near Zaporizhia. This is a warfare agent with suffocating and lethal effects. That's why they have a lot of them. They were developed to disperse demonstrators, but their concentration greatly exceeds permissible standards. They are prohibited in our country. In response to the use of these gases, Washington has levied new sanctions. And Blanklist did more people linked to Russia's mining and metal sectors.

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Ukraine Invasion