30 May 2017 14:29

Russia yet to scrap 588 tonnes of toxic substances

MOSCOW. May 30 (Interfax) - Russia has yet to destroy less than 1.5% of its remaining chemical weapons stockpiles, Viktor Kholstov, Director of the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry's Department on the Implementation of Convention Obligations, said at a Tuesday meeting of the Federation Council defense and security committee.

"There is only one plant left, i.e. Kizner in the Republic of Udmirtia. As of May 29, it had a stock of 588 tonnes of toxic substances, or 1.4% of the total," Kholstov said.

Russia had about 40,000 tonnes of toxic substances about 20 years ago. Chemical weapons have been fully scrapped at six out of the seven storage sites, he said.