World

US to impose sanctions on Russia over poisoning

Personnel in hazmat suits securing a tent covering a bench in the Maltings shopping centre in Salisbury as they investigate the poisoning of Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. Picture by Andrew Matthews/PA.
Personnel in hazmat suits securing a tent covering a bench in the Maltings shopping centre in Salisbury as they investigate the poisoning of Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. Picture by Andrew Matthews/PA. Personnel in hazmat suits securing a tent covering a bench in the Maltings shopping centre in Salisbury as they investigate the poisoning of Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. Picture by Andrew Matthews/PA.

The United States will impose sanctions on Russia for its use of a nerve agent in an attempt to kill a former Russian spy and his daughter in the UK.

The State Department said the sanctions will be imposed on Russia because it used a chemical weapon in violation of international law.

Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned by Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent, in Salisbury in March.

Britain has accused Russia of being behind the attack, which the Kremlin vehemently denies.

Since the March attack, two other British nationals with no ties to Russia have been poisoned by the substance.

Following a 15-day congressional notification period, the sanctions will take effect on or around August 22, according to a statement from the State Department.