US Accuses Russia of Using Chemical Weapons

The United States has accused Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops. This was stated in a declaration issued by the US State Department on May 1.

"Russia is using the chemical agent chloropicrin against Ukrainian soldiers, thus violating the Chemical Weapons Convention," the agency stated.

"The use of such chemical agents is likely motivated by the Russian forces' desire to flush Ukrainian forces out of fortified positions and achieve tactical success on the battlefield," the declaration reads.

According to Ukrainian military officials, in addition to chloropicrin, Russian soldiers have also used tear gas grenades. At least 500 Ukrainian soldiers have been treated for poisoning effects, and one has died from gas asphyxiation.

Chloropicrin is listed on the blacklist of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. It was used by German troops during World War I.