United States to impose sanctions on Russia over nerve gas attack in Britain

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

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

Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal (pictured) and his daughter were poisoned by a nerve agent in the British town of Salisbury in March. Britain has accused Russia of being behind the attack, which the Kremlin vehemently denies. (Reuters/File Photo)

The state department said on Wednesday that 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 the British town of 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 poised by the substance.

Following a 15-day congressional notification period, the sanctions will take effect on or around Aug. 22, according to a statement from the state department.