ColumnistAuthoritarian regimes such as Russia and China see two main uses for international organizations: protecting their regimes and undermining Western values. The Russian government appointed him to these roles despite the fact he is a convicted money launderer — or perhaps because of it. Russia stands accused of interfering in the OPCW’s investigations into chemical weapons use in Syria and tampering with test sites. In April, the Dutch Defense Ministry thwarted a group of Russian military operatives attempting a cyberattack on the OPCW headquarters. Russian actions to undermine international organizations are not new.

Source: Washington Post January 31, 2019 22:39 UTC