EU sanctions Russia over chemical weapons use in Ukraine
Illustrative photo: Russia uses chemical weapons in Ukraine (facebook.com)
Russian troops are using chemical weapons against Ukrainian defenders. For this reason, new sanctions have been imposed on Russia by the Council of the European Union.
The sanctions target the radiological, chemical, and biological defense troops, the 27th Scientific Center, and the 33rd Central Research and Testing Institute of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
This decision was made based on reports by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The OPCW found that the Russian weapons contain CS (2-chlorobenzalmonononitrile).
CS is a chemical often used in tear gas and crowd control gases. It irritates the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, making people cry and feel uncomfortable, to disperse protesters or detain people.
The sanctions include an asset freeze. The EU has also banned the direct or indirect provision of funds or economic resources to them. In addition, individuals are banned from entering the EU.
This is the first time the EU has officially accused Russia of using chemical weapons.
Security Service of Ukraine's investigation
last December, the Security Service of Ukraine announced suspicion against the head of the radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops of the Russian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov.
Law enforcement officers found that Kirillov was responsible for the use of chemical weapons by the Russian troops.
