The United States has announced sanctions against over 280 individuals and entities, in response to alleged chemical weapon use by Russia against Ukrainian troops. The US State Department cited the use of chloropicrin, a chemical weapon, as a violation of international norms and a breach of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 (CBW Act).
According to an official release, the sanctions include restrictions on foreign military financing, US government lines of credit, and export licenses for defense articles and sensitive items going to Russia. The US also mentioned that the chemical attack is believed to be part of Russian forces’ efforts to gain tactical advantages in the conflict.
This move by the US follows a determination made pursuant to the CBW Act, indicating Russia’s ongoing disregard for its obligations under international agreements. The State Department drew parallels between this incident and previous instances, such as the poisoning of Aleksey Navalny and the Skripals with Novichok nerve agents.
Specifically targeting entities associated with Moscow’s chemical and biological weapons programs, as well as companies supporting these entities, the sanctions aim to impose costs on Russia for its foreign aggression and internal repression. Additionally, three individuals have been sanctioned in connection with Aleksey Navalny’s death.
The sanctions fall under Executive Order 14024, which addresses harmful foreign activities of the Russian government. The US emphasized its commitment to disrupting support for Russia’s military-industrial base and curbing its use of the international financial system in furtherance of its agenda.
The State Department reaffirmed solidarity with Russians pursuing democratic reforms and Ukrainians defending their homeland against Russian aggression.
