The United States has publicly accused Russia of using the chemical agent chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces, a violation of the international chemical weapons ban.

In response to the alleged chemical attacks, the US is preparing sanctions targeting Russian entities and firms connected to chemical and biological weapons development.

The State Department cited Russia's history of flouting the Chemical Weapons Convention, referencing past poisonings with nerve agents.

The use of chloropicrin by Russia is perceived as a strategic effort to force Ukrainian troops from strongholds amidst Ukraine's dwindling arms supplies.

Ukrainian President Selenskyj is seeking new security agreements with global partners and is preparing for EU membership discussions and a peace conference in Switzerland.

A senior Ukrainian intelligence official has been removed from office amidst corruption charges.

China has criticized the U.S.'s impending sanctions on Russia as 'illegal unilateral actions' and defends its trade relations with Russia as compliant with WTO regulations.