Russia and Ukraine Accuse Each Other of Violating Chemical Weapons Ban

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), based in The Hague, Netherlands, reported mutual accusations between Russia and Ukraine regarding the use of banned toxic substances in war zones. On Tuesday, May 7, the organization noted the 'insufficient evidence' provided by both parties and described the potential use of chemical weapons as 'extremely concerning.' According to Reuters, neither Russia nor Ukraine has officially requested an investigation by the OPCW into the alleged use of chemical weapons. Last week, the United States announced that Russia had violated international chemical weapons prohibitions by using the choking agent 'chloropicrin' and employing 'tear gas' against the Ukrainian army. The OPCW, established to implement and oversee compliance with the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention, has banned the use of chloropicrin. Previously, Ukraine had stated that Russia had increased its use of tear gas and turned to munitions equipped with dangerous chemical substances. Russia has denied the allegations of violating the Chemical Weapons Convention. On the other hand, Moscow has accused Kyiv of widespread use of banned toxic substances such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Under the Chemical Weapons Convention, the use of any toxic chemical with the intent to cause injury or death is considered chemical weaponry. Additionally, the use of riot control agents in warfare is deemed a violation of this convention. The United States: Russia has violated the international ban on the use of chemical weapons. The U.S. has sanctioned 300 individuals and entities related to support for Russia in the war against Ukraine. Zelensky's visit to Istanbul; a Turkish official stated that Erdogan seeks an end to the war. The OPCW has called for accountability for the crimes of the Syrian government.