Overview
- The U.S. State Department announced sanctions against nearly 300 Russian officials and entities over alleged chemical weapon use.
- Chloropicrin, a choking agent used in World War I, is said to have been employed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
- The allegations of chemical weapon use come amid ongoing military tensions and attacks, including repeated strikes on the Ukrainian city of Odesa.
- Russia has not been invited to a Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions.
- Recent developments include a new wave of sanctions targeting individuals connected to Russia's chemical and biological weapons programs.