In a fervent declaration from Washington, the United States has pointed an accusatory finger at Russia, alleging the deployment of the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops amid the persistent conflict. In response, over 280 individuals and entities are now slated for sanctions, aiming to levy additional costs upon Russia for its foreign belligerence.

“The Department of State is concurrently presenting to Congress a determination under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 (CBW Act) regarding Russia’s utilization of the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops. In compliance with the CBW Act, the Department is reinstating constraints on foreign military financing, U.S. Government lines of credit, and export licenses for defense articles and national security-sensitive items destined for Russia,” stated an official release from the US State Department.

Furthermore, the US asserted that the incident most likely stems from Russian forces’ endeavors to dislodge Ukrainian forces from their strongholds and gain tactical advantages in combat. “Russia’s persistent flouting of its commitments to the CWC mirrors its tactics in incidents such as the poisoning of Aleksey Navalny and Sergei and Yulia Skripal with Novichok nerve agents,” remarked the State Department.

Additionally, sanctions are being levied on three entities within the Russian government linked to Moscow’s chemical and biological weapons initiatives, along with four Russian firms implicated in supporting such endeavors. “Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on over 280 individuals and entities to amplify the costs on Russia for both its external aggression and internal repression. As part of this effort, the Department of State is imposing sanctions on over 80 entities and individuals engaged in various activities, including the advancement of Russia’s future energy, metals, and mining production and export capabilities; evasion and circumvention of sanctions; and enhancement of Russia’s ability to prosecute its war against Ukraine,” elaborated the State Department.

Moreover, three additional individuals are facing sanctions in connection to the demise of Aleksey Navalny. “All designations are made pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, as amended, which empowers sanctions concerning specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the Russian Federation,” the release emphasized.

Condemning Russia’s actions, the statement underscored, “The United States will persist in utilizing all available means to disrupt support for Russia’s military-industrial complex and limit Russia’s exploitation of the international financial system to advance its aggression against Ukraine. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Russians advocating for a more democratic future and with Ukrainians steadfastly defending their homeland against Russia’s aggression.”