Russian soldiers are reportedly using chemical warfare agents and tear gas to force Ukrainians from their positions, leading to the United States imposing new sanctions against Moscow. The effects of these agents include a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat, along with shortness of breath and nausea.
Chloropicrin, a banned warfare agent, is being used by Russia to dislodge Ukrainian forces from their positions due to its heaviness. However, tear gas is not banned under the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and is also being used 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 poisoning incidents involving Navalny and the Skripals with Novichok nerve agent.