<2> Putin’s Poisons: A Prelude to Chemical Warfare?
<3> The Rise of Exotic Assassinations
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has been accused of using exotic banned poisons to silence his critics, sparking concerns that Moscow may be preparing for a chemical war against NATO. The use of such potent toxins has been a hallmark of Putin’s regime, with several high-profile assassinations attributed to the Russian government.
<4> The Most Notorious Cases
One of the most infamous cases is the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, England in 2018. The pair were exposed to a Novichok nerve agent, a banned chemical developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The attack was widely condemned by the international community, with the UK government accusing Russia of being responsible.
<5> The Use of Chemical Weapons in Ukraine
In 2022, reports emerged of Russian forces using chemical weapons in Ukraine, with allegations of mustard gas and other toxic agents being deployed against Ukrainian troops. The use of such weapons has been a major concern for NATO, with the alliance warning of the potential for a chemical war in Europe.
<6> The Threat of Chemical Warfare
The use of chemical weapons by Russia in