UK sanctions Russian institutes over chemical weapons used in Navalny poisoning

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on seven individuals and two Russian research institutes accused of developing chemical weapons. The targeted entities are reportedly involved in the research, development, and production of deadly nerve agents, including Novichok and the epibatidine toxin.

These substances are linked to the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2024 and the death of British national Dawn Sturgess in 2018. Navalny died in prison under unclear circumstances in February 2024. Sturgess, a 44-year-old mother, died after exposure to Novichok, a nerve agent used in the attempted poisoning of former Russian agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, England.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that Russia's repeated use of chemical weapons is a "revolting violation of international law" and a direct threat to global security. The sanctioned entities include the SC Signal research institute and the GNIII VM Military Medicine research institute, along with several officials from these organizations. The announcement comes ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, which is expected to focus heavily on the war in Ukraine.

“

The repeated use of chemical weapons by Russia constitutes a revolting violation of international law and a direct threat to global security.