Amid reports of chemical warfare and tear gas attacks on the Ukrainian front lines, the United States has imposed new sanctions against Moscow. Russian troops are reportedly using banned warfare agents such as chloropicrin and tear gas to force Ukrainians from their positions, causing a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat, along with shortness of breath and nausea.
The American State Department has confirmed that Russia is using these agents to dislodge Ukrainian forces from their positions. Chloropicrin is banned under the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which Russia is a signatory to. Tear gas, while not banned, is also being used in a military capacity by Russian troops. Ukrainian soldiers have reported an increase in tear gas attacks, with gas grenades being dropped from drones over their trenches.
In response to Russia’s actions, the USA has imposed sanctions against three state entities and four companies linked to Moscow’s chemical and biological weapons programs. These sanctions involve freezing assets in the US and prohibiting American companies from doing business with them. The American State Department has accused Russia of continued disregard for its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, comparing the actions on the front lines to the poisoning incidents involving Navalny and the Skripals with the Novichok nerve agent.
Russian troops remain in trenches due to chloropicrin’s heaviness. This agent was used extensively during World War II but was later banned under international law due to its severe health effects. However, it appears that Russia continues to use it as a weapon against its enemies today. The use of these agents raises serious concerns about human rights violations and war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
These new sanctions demonstrate America’s commitment to upholding international law and protecting innocent people from harm caused by chemical weapons agents. As tensions continue between Russia and Ukraine, it remains critical for both sides to adhere strictly to all international laws governing warfare and human rights violations.
The United States continues to work closely with our allies in Europe and around the world to impose economic pressure on Russia until they cease their aggression towards Ukraine
