Russia could face sanctions over chemical weapons use in Ukraine – Reuters
Photo: The EU is preparing sanctions against those involved in the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine (Getty Images)
The European Union, as part of its 17th sanctions package against Russia, is discussing restrictions against those involved in the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, Reuters reports.
According to the outlet, the European Commission's proposal mentions a list of 15 legal entities and individuals associated with hybrid threats from Russia, as well as persons suspected of using chemical weapons in Ukraine.
A third batch of measures is also under discussion, which would sanction an additional 25 individuals and organizations accused of human rights violations.
According to Reuters sources, Russian oil giant Surgutneftegas, which is already under US sanctions since January as part of broader efforts to curb Russia’s energy trade, may also be added to the EU sanctions list.
Chemical weapons use by Russian forces
Yesterday, the media reported that the EU Council had prepared a new sanctions regulation in which Russia is officially accused of using CS tear gas on the frontline in Ukraine as a method of warfare for the first time.
In its explanatory memorandum, EU officials cite reports from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), published at Ukraine’s request in November 2024 and February 2025.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that Russian troops systematically use chemical agents at the front. In particular, cases of enemy use of poison gas ammunition are increasingly recorded in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In addition, Russian forces have reportedly equipped Shahed-type kamikaze drones with chemical payloads for strikes aimed at inflicting casualties among Ukrainians.
The OPCW recently released a report confirming the presence of toxic substances in samples collected from combat zones in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region. These reports examine the cases of gas use near the villages of Mariivka and Illinka in the Dnipropetrovsk region in 2024.
