Key facts
- The EU sanctioned six Russian scientists and researchers suspected of developing the toxin epibatidine.
- Epibatidine, a toxin from poison dart frogs, was confirmed in samples from Alexei Navalny's body.
- The targeted individuals worked in the military sphere for entities linked to Russia's chemical weapons program.
- Sanctions include asset freezes and EU-wide travel bans for the six individuals.
- The EU also added 34 individuals and 47 entities to its sanctions list for supporting Russia's military-industrial complex and shadow fleet.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on six Russian nationals, primarily scientists and researchers, for their alleged involvement in developing the toxin suspected in the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The EU stated these individuals were involved in the creation of chemical weapons, specifically epibatidine, which was detected in samples taken from Navalny's body after his death in February 2024. Epibatidine is a potent toxin found naturally in poison dart frogs. Russia has requested concrete data to support allegations of Moscow's involvement in Navalny's death. The sanctions include an asset freeze and a travel ban to the EU for the targeted individuals. This action is part of a broader EU sanctions package against Russia, which also targets individuals and entities linked to the war in Ukraine, its shadow fleet, and disinformation campaigns, adding a total of 34 individuals and 47 entities to the EU sanctions list.