The United Nations confirmed on Thursday they have received the necessary paperwork from the Syrian government to become a part of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The CWC outlaws production and use of chemical weapons.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Russian TV that his administration would be submitting weapons data within one month of signing the papers to join the CWC.

The move comes as Russia attempts to stop western nations from striking the Assad government over their use of chemical weapons against civilians. The U.S., U.K., France and other nations are convinced Syria used chemical weapons.

“Syria is placing its chemical weapons under international control because of Russia. The US threats did not influence the decision,” Assad told Russian state run TV.

Russia continues to block any actions in the U.N. that might include military force.