The United States has imposed penalties on over 280 people and organisations in an effort to put more pressure on Russia for its actions abroad. The United States has accused Russia of using the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops in the current battle.
In a press release, the US State Department stated, “The Department of State is concurrently delivering to Congress a determination pursuant to the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 (CBW Act) regarding Russia’s use of the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops.” The statement went on to say that export permits for defence and national security-related goods to Russia, as well as limits on foreign military financing and US government lines of credit, will all be reinstated in accordance with the CBW Act.
Additionally, the US suggested that the use of chloropicrin by Russian forces is likely an attempt to dislodge Ukrainian forces from their strongholds and gain tactical advantages in combat. The State Department compared Russia’s actions to previous instances, such as the poisoning of Aleksey Navalny and Sergei and Yulia Skripal with Novichok nerve agents, highlighting Russia’s disregard for its international obligations.
Moreover, the US announced sanctions on three entities of the Russian government linked to Moscow’s chemical and biological weapons programs and four Russian companies that have contributed to these entities.
In a comprehensive move, the State Department disclosed, “The United States is today sanctioning more than 280 individuals and entities to impose additional costs on Russia for both its foreign aggression and internal repression.” This includes sanctions on over 80 entities and individuals engaged in various activities, such as the development of Russia’s future energy, metals, and mining production and export capacity, sanctions evasion, and furthering Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Furthermore, the US is sanctioning three additional individuals in connection with the death of Aleksey Navalny. All targets are designated under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, which authorizes sanctions related to harmful foreign activities of the Russian government.
Condemning Russia’s actions, the statement affirmed, “The United States will continue to use the tools at its disposal to disrupt support for Russia’s military-industrial base and curtail Russia’s use of the international financial system to further its war against Ukraine.” It reiterated solidarity with Russians striving for democracy and Ukrainians defending their homeland against Russian aggression.