Russian troops have been accused of using chemical warfare agents and tear gas against Ukrainians to drive them from their positions. In response, the United States has imposed new sanctions against Moscow.
The use of these agents causes a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat, followed by symptoms such as shortness of breath and nausea. Chloropicrin, a banned chemical warfare agent under the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, is being used by Russian forces, as well as conventional tear gas. The use of tear gas for military purposes is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Reports from Ukrainian soldiers indicate that tear gas attacks by Russian troops have increased in recent months, with gas grenades being dropped from drones over Ukrainian trenches. In response to these attacks, the Ukrainian army has started distributing gas masks and conducting special exercises.
The American State Department has accused Russia of disregarding its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and has imposed further sanctions against Russian entities involved in chemical and biological weapons programs. These sanctions target three state entities and four Russian companies supporting these programs.
The use of chemical warfare agents and tear gas by Russian troops in Ukraine has been compared to previous incidents involving the poisoning of individuals with nerve agents. The Kremlin has rejected these allegations as “baseless.”