US blames Russia of using ‘chemical weapon’ in Ukraine. The United States State Department has formally accused Russia of violating the Chemical Weapons Convention by reportedly deploying a chemical weapon against Ukrainian forces.
This accusation was accompanied by the announcement of a fresh round of sanctions targeting Moscow’s military and industrial capabilities.
According to the State Department, Russia allegedly utilized chloropicrin, a chemical agent, as well as tear gas, in its operations in Ukraine.
“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,” the State Department said.
These actions are believed to be aimed at dislodging Ukrainian forces and gaining strategic advantages on the battlefield.
In response to these allegations, the US Treasury Department has imposed sweeping sanctions targeting nearly 300 entities across multiple countries, including Russia and China.
These sanctions are designed to cripple support for President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly by punishing companies involved in the supply of weapons and those connected to Russia’s chemical and biological weapons programs.
They say russia is “making gains” in Ukraine. But are they, really? When looking at data…
Russia has conquered about 400 km2 of territory in 1 year. That’s 0.075% of Ukraine. At this rate, it would take another 1,200 years for russia to conquer all Ukraine.
1/n pic.twitter.com/FvcGlHhAKp
— Roman Sheremeta 🇺🇦 (@rshereme) May 1, 2024
Despite Russia’s denial of possessing a military chemical arsenal, pressure continues to mount for transparency regarding the alleged use of toxic weapons.
Chloropicrin, identified as both a warfare agent and a pesticide, poses serious health risks when inhaled.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized that these sanctions are intended to disrupt Russia’s war efforts by targeting its military industrial base and networks facilitating its supply chain.
“Today’s actions will further disrupt and degrade Russia’s war efforts by going after its military industrial base and the evasion networks that help supply it.”
“Even as we’re throwing sand in the gears of Russia’s war machine, President (Joe) Biden’s recently-passed National Security Supplemental is providing badly-needed military, economic, and humanitarian support to bolster Ukraine’s courageous resistance,” Yellen said.
“Combined, our support for Ukraine and our relentless targeting of Russia’s military capacity is giving Ukraine a critical leg-up on the battlefield.”
In addition to targeting Russia’s military capacity, the sanctions also blacklist individuals and companies operating in Moscow’s energy, mining, and metals sectors.
Some sanctions are specifically directed at entities involved in the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny.
As US blames Russia of using ‘chemical weapon’ in Ukraine, other countries, including China, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Slovakia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, have been sanctioned for their alleged role in enabling Russia to acquire crucial technology and equipment for its war efforts.
These measures reflect a broader international effort to counter Russian aggression and support Ukraine’s defense.
Also read: Putin warns Nato nations of nuclear war risk if troops fight in Ukraine
