The world has watched in horror as Russia's brazen disregard for international norms has led to a string of heinous chemical attacks on its own soil and beyond. Now, the United Kingdom is standing firm against this rogue state, using its voice at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) 112th Executive Council to condemn Russia's flagrant violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Highlighting specific instances, the UK detailed Russia's alleged systematic use of riot control agents and toxic chemicals across the frontline in Ukraine. The statement also recalled the 2018 Salisbury attack, where a military-grade Novichok nerve agent was used on UK streets, gravely injuring several individuals and leading to the death of British citizen Dawn Sturgess. Furthermore, Russia was accused of using Novichok to poison opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2020, and a deadly toxin, epibatidine, during his incarceration in 2024. The UK criticised Russia's failure to provide credible responses regarding Navalny's death, urging a substantive and timely reply.
In response to these perceived breaches, the UK announced further sanctions targeting two leading Russian scientific research centres and seven key individuals. These individuals and institutions are implicated in the research, development, and production of deadly Novichok nerve agents and the lethal toxin Epibatidine, which was allegedly used in Alexei Navalny's poisoning. The move underscores the UK's commitment to holding accountable those who undermine international security and endanger citizens through chemical weapons use.
The UK has also been actively engaging with other nations on this critical issue. Beyond Russia, the country urged Sudan to publish the ultimate findings of its investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons. A notable exception to the rule is Syria, where progress has been made in ridding itself of chemical arms. The UK paid tribute to Syria's efforts, noting its fundamentally different path in working with the OPCW.
Syria's updated declaration, which includes previously undeclared chemical weapons, materials, and facilities, was described as a historic milestone by the UK. This progress is all the more remarkable given the significant challenges that Syria has faced, including substantial funding, technical expertise, and unwavering support for the OPCW's Syria-focused mandates from the UK. The UK has been instrumental in assisting Syria's efforts to uncover, declare, and work towards eliminating remnants of its former chemical weapons programme.
With Council approval of important decisions this week, covering facilities agreements and destruction and verification plans, verified destruction is now considered firmly within reach. This progress, as demonstrated by the Director General's latest reports, should be recognised, leading the UK to support the reinstatement of Syria's rights and privileges under the Convention.