EU Imposes Sanctions on Russian Entities Involved in Development and Use of Chemical Weapons

Strategic Insights -

In light of reports by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirming the use of riot control agents such as chemical CS by Russian forces in Ukraine, the Council of the European Union has imposed additional restrictive measures on three Russian entities involved in the development and use of chemical weapons. The entities listed are the Radiological Chemical and Biological Defence Troops, the 27th Scientific Centre, and the 33rd Central Scientific Research and Testing Institute of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. This decision was taken to enhance the global norm against the use of chemical weapons and to support the provisions laid down by the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Council of the European Union has imposed additional restrictive measures on three Russian entities involved in the development and use of chemical weapons.
  • The entities listed are the Radiological Chemical and Biological Defence Troops, the 27th Scientific Centre, and the 33rd Central Scientific Research and Testing Institute of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.
  • The decision was taken in light of reports by the OPCW confirming the use of riot control agents such as chemical CS by Russian forces in Ukraine.
  • EU restrictive measures against the use and proliferation of chemical weapons now apply to a total of 25 individuals and 6 entities.
  • Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit is prohibited.
  • A travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed.
  • The EU remains fully committed to countering the proliferation and use of chemical weapons.
  • The decision aims to enhance the global norm against the use of chemical weapons and to support the provisions laid down by the CWC.

Statistics:

  • 3 Russian entities involved in the development and use of chemical weapons have been listed under the sanctions regime.
  • 25 individuals and 6 entities are now subject to EU restrictive measures against the use and proliferation of chemical weapons.
  • 2-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile (chemical CS) has been used as a method of warfare by Russian forces in Ukraine.
  • The OPCW has issued reports confirming the presence of riot control agents in the samples collected at the frontlines in Ukraine in November 2024 and February 2025.
  • The EU has called for a timely attribution by the OPCW of the proven use of riot control agents as a method of warfare.

Sources:

  • [The Council of the European Union (no date)]
  • [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (2024)]
  • [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (2025)]