Skripal attack: US to impose fresh sanctions against Russia over use of Novichok agent

The incident took place earlier this year in Salisbury region of the United Kingdom, triggering a diplomatic row between London and Moscow.

Though the US and the UK have squarely blamed Russia for the attack, the latter has denied any involvement.

The sanctions have been met with criticism from Kremlin, who termed it as 'draconian'.

The US said that they were sanctioning Russia for failing to abide by international rule pertaining to chemical or biological weapons and using lethal chemical or biological weapons against its own nationals.

The move has been welcomed by London.

In a statement, UK's foreign office said: "The strong international response to the use of a chemical weapon on the streets of Salisbury sends an unequivocal message to Russia that its provocative, reckless behaviour will not go unchallenged."

"The new sanctions will take effect on or around 22 August, and relate to the exports of sensitive electronic components and other technologies," the BBC reported.

"The state department said 'more draconian' sanctions will follow within 90 days if Russia fails to give reliable assurances it will no longer use chemical weapons and allow on-site inspections by the United Nations," the report said.

Image: Screengrab from YouTube