“Russia Accused of Attacking Ukrainian City of Bakhmut with Phosphorus Munitions”

For over eight months, Russia has been trying to take control of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, but Ukrainian forces still hold parts of the city.

Now Russia is accused of attacking the city with phosphorus munitions.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense claims that the attack was aimed at “unoccupied areas of Bakhmut, with incendiary ammunition”. Late on Friday evening, they also published a drone video which should show Bakhmut in flames, at the same time as what is claimed to be white phosphorus is raining over the city.

– They will burn in hell, writes the Ministry of Defense on Twitter.

Earlier in the war, Ukraine claimed that Russia used phosphorus bombs, including during the siege of Mariupol at the start of the war.

Phosphorus bombs are primarily used by the military to cover tracks during ground operations, as the bombs immediately create thick, white smoke. The bombs can also be used to start fires, and they cause extreme burns and charring if they hit people.

White phosphorus weapons are not prohibited, but their use in civilian areas is considered war crimes, writes BBC.