What's happened
The US State Department has accused Russia of using chemical weapons, including chloropicrin and tear gas, against Ukrainian forces in violation of the international ban on such weapons. In response, the US has announced sanctions on individuals and entities connected to Russia's military-industrial base and financial system.
Why it matters
The accusation and sanctions by the US against Russia for using chemical weapons in Ukraine are significant as they highlight Russia's violation of international laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The use of banned chemical weapons raises concerns about the humanitarian impact of the war and the need for accountability for such actions.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the US State Department formally accused Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces, while the Moscow Times reported on the sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department on entities supporting Russia's invasion. Sky News highlighted Russia's denial of the allegations and the use of riot control agents in Ukraine.
How we got here
The conflict in Ukraine escalated when Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. The US accusation of Russia using chemical weapons, including chloropicrin and tear gas, against Ukrainian soldiers violates the international ban on such weapons. The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits the use of these substances in warfare.
Common question
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The United States Department of State, commonly referred to as the State Department, is a federal executive department responsible for carrying out U.S. foreign policy and international relations.
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Chloropicrin, also known as PS and nitrochloroform, is a chemical compound currently used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, and nematicide. Its chemical structural formula is Cl₃CNO₂.
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Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia. The megacity stands on the Moskva River in the central portion of Western Russia, with a population estimated at 12.6 million residents within the city limits, while over 17 million residents in the urban