According to recent reports, Russian troops are using chemical warfare agents and tear gas to force Ukrainians from their positions. 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, which remains in trenches due to its heaviness.
Russia’s use of chloropicrin and tear gas on the front lines has led to new sanctions being imposed by the United States against Moscow. The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits the use of tear gas for military purposes, as soldiers are unable to easily escape from the effects. However, Russian troops continue to use it in a military capacity. 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 the poisoning incidents involving Navalny and the Skripals with the Novichok nerve agent.