Russian troops involved in the abhorrent use of inhumane chemical
weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine have today (Tuesday 8
October) been targeted by new UK sanctions.
Russian forces have openly admitted to using hazardous chemical
weapons on the battlefield, with widespread use of riot control
agents and multiple reports of the use of the toxic choking agent
chloropicrin – first deployed on the battlefields of WW1.
Russia's flagrant disregard for the Chemical Weapons Convention
is a serious violation of international law. Agents of Putin's
mafia state were also responsible for deploying the deadly nerve
agent Novichok on the streets of Salisbury in 2018, and against
opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2020.
Among those sanctioned today are the Radiological, Chemical and
Biological Defence Troops of the Russian Armed Forces and its
leader Igor Kirillov, responsible for helping deploy these
barbaric weapons. Kirillov has also been a significant mouthpiece
for Kremlin disinformation, spreading lies to mask
Russia's shameful and dangerous behaviour.
Foreign Secretary, said:
"The UK will not sit idly by whilst Putin and his mafia state
ride roughshod over international law, including the Chemical
Weapons Convention. I have made it my personal mission to
challenge this malign activity, and I will not back down.
“Russia's cruel and inhumane tactics on the battlefield are
abhorrent and I will use the full arsenal of powers at my
disposal to combat Russia's malign activity.
“Let me be clear; Putin and those who carry out his will have
nowhere left to hide. We will continue to use sanctions to
directly target and counter the Kremlin's attempts to sow fear,
division and disorder."
Defence Secretary, said:
"Our message to Putin and his regime is clear: you cannot break
international law without facing the consequences.
“We will not allow such blatant violations of the Chemical
Weapons Convention and rules-based international order to go
unpunished.
“The UK is cracking down on those responsible for these horrific
chemical attacks in Ukraine. Our support for Ukraine is ironclad
and will continue for as long as it takes.”
Also sanctioned today are two Russian Ministry of Defence
laboratories for providing support for the development and
deployment of these inhumane weapons for use on the
frontlines.
The UK is steadfast in supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom,
liberty and victory in the face of these barbaric attacks. We
have provided Ukraine with vital equipment and training to
protect its people against chemical weapons.
The UK has also committed to delivering £3 billion of military
aid to Ukraine every year for as long as they need. The UK's
military, financial, diplomatic and political support for Ukraine
is iron-clad. We can not and will not let aggressors like Putin
succeed.
Notes to Editors
- Today's action comes as the UK
delivers a statement to the Organisation's Executive Council
laying out the UK's commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention
and the OPCW in the face of those who act to undermine it. The
full speech can be found here.
- Those sanctioned today are:
o The Radiological
Chemical and Biological Defence Troops of the Ministry of Defence
of the Russian Federation.
o Igor Kirillov, Head
of the Radiological Chemical and Biological Defence Troops of the
Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.
o The Russian Ministry
of Defence 27th Scientific Centre.
o The Russian Ministry
of Defence 33rd Central Scientific Research and Testing
Institute.
- These targets have been designated
under the UK's Chemical Weapons (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations
2019. The individual will be subject to an asset freeze and
travel ban, and entities subject to an asset freeze. The asset
freeze will apply to all persons within the territory and
territorial sea of the UK and to all UK persons, wherever they
are in the world. It also prevents funds or economic resources
being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person. An
individual subject to a travel ban must be refused leave to enter
or to remain in the United Kingdom
