Moscow: The United States has leveled accusations against Russia, asserting that it violated the global prohibition on chemical weapons by employing the choking agent chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops and utilizing riot control agents as a method of warfare in Ukraine.
In a statement released late Wednesday, the State Department declared that Russia had utilized the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces, breaching the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The statement further suggested that such chemical usage was not an isolated occurrence but rather a calculated tactic by Russian forces to dislodge Ukrainian troops from fortified positions and gain tactical advantages on the battlefield.
However, Russia swiftly denied these allegations on Thursday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the charges, affirming that Moscow remained committed to its obligations under the treaty prohibiting chemical weapons. Peskov asserted that the accusations lacked foundation and contradicted Russia’s adherence to international legal obligations in this domain.
Chloropicrin, a banned choking agent designated by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) headquartered in The Hague, has historical significance as it was employed by German forces against Allied troops during World War I, marking an early instance of chemical warfare.
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Concurrently, the US imposed fresh sanctions on numerous entities, countries, and individuals associated with Russia’s weapons development program. The Treasury and State Departments targeted over a dozen Chinese firms allegedly aiding Russia in circumventing sanctions, along with individuals linked to the demise of Russian dissident Alexey Navalny.
These sanctions, directed at various facets of Russia’s military-industrial complex including its chemical weapons programs, aim to impede Russia’s acquisition of weapon components facilitated by entities in third countries. They come against the backdrop of Russia’s prolonged invasion of Ukraine, now entering its third year.
The Treasury Department’s sanctions encompass nearly 200 entities, while the State Department designated over 80 individuals and entities. Specifically, the US imposed sanctions on 20 companies based in China and Hong Kong.
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This action follows persistent warnings from Washington regarding China’s purported assistance to Russia’s military endeavors, a concern underscored during recent visits to China by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Allegations have surfaced against firms in several nations, including China, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Slovakia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, accusing them of aiding Russia in procuring technology and equipment from abroad. These penalties seek to curtail their access to the US financial system and prohibit American citizens from engaging in transactions with them.
