We regret that the Russian authorities have failed so far to investigate and credibly explain the use of a chemical weapon against Mr. Navalny. It is an absolute necessity to conduct a thorough investigation in this regard, in full transparency and in accordance with Russia’s obligations defined in the Chemical Weapons Convention.

We invariably and strongly condemn all forms of abuse including violation of human rights and express serious concerns regarding further deterioration of the internal situation in Russia and the systematic crackdown on opposition voices, human rights defenders, independent civil society and media.

We welcome further sanctions that have been introduced today by the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Poland has been a longstanding advocate of a full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, strongly promoting full elimination of such weapons. We will continue our efforts on the international stage in this regard, also in the context of our ongoing membership in the OPCW Executive Council.

 

MFA Press Office