How is Russia Evading Global Bans on Chemical Weapons in Ukraine?
Image Credit: The Telegraph
The United States has leveled accusations against Russia for breaching the global ban on chemical weapons by reportedly deploying chloropicrin, a choking agent, against Ukrainian troops. Additionally, the US alleges that Russia has utilized riot control agents as a method of warfare in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a statement issued by the State Department on Wednesday, Russia’s use of chloropicrin is condemned as a violation of the international chemical weapons ban. The statement suggests that such actions are not isolated incidents but rather strategic maneuvers aimed at gaining tactical advantages on the battlefield by dislodging Ukrainian forces from fortified positions.
Chloropicrin, classified as a banned choking agent by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), traces its history back to its use by German forces during World War I. The recent allegations against Russia echo concerns raised earlier this month by the Ukrainian military, which reported increased instances of Russia deploying riot control agents amidst its military advances in eastern Ukraine.
The use of riot control agents, including grenades loaded with CS and CN gases, has raised alarm, with Ukrainian authorities reporting numerous cases of soldiers being treated for exposure to toxic substances. Tragically, one Ukrainian soldier is said to have succumbed to suffocation due to tear gas exposure.
The State Department’s determination of Russia’s violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) extends beyond chloropicrin usage to include the prohibited use of riot control agents as a method of warfare. In response, the US announced sanctions targeting three Russian state entities linked to chemical and biological weapons programs, along with four supporting companies.
These sanctions, freezing US assets belonging to the targeted entities and restricting American business dealings with them, represent a significant escalation in the US response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The Treasury also imposed sanctions on three entities and two individuals involved in procuring items for Russian military institutes associated with chemical and biological weapons programs.
The announcement of these measures coincides with broader efforts by the United States to hold Russia accountable for its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits the production and use of chemical weapons, requiring signatory nations, including Russia and the US, to dismantle any existing stockpiles of banned substances.
As the State Department prepares to relay its findings to the OPCW, tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, with both sides trading accusations of treaty violations. While the OPCW has not yet initiated a formal investigation into the alleged use of banned chemical substances in Ukraine, the repercussions of such actions extend beyond geopolitical tensions, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of chemical warfare in the region.
The situation underscores the urgency of international efforts to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention and prevent the proliferation of chemical weapons, which pose a grave threat to global security and stability.
This story was originally featured on Business Today
