Ukraine accused the Russian army of attacking the besieged city of Bakhmut with phosphorus munitions, and published “horrific” videos of the attacks.
In drone footage released by the Ukrainian army, the sky of the city of Bakhmut appeared as if it was raining white phosphorous shells, which fell on the city.
Are phosphorous weapons prohibited?
• White phosphorous weapons are not prohibited, but their use in civilian areas is a war crime.
• These missiles create rapidly spreading fires that are difficult to put out, and Russia has been accused of using them before.
What is white phosphorous?
• White phosphorus is a wax-like substance that ignites on contact with oxygen, forming bright smoke columns upon interaction.
• “Human Rights Watch” warned that the chemical “is notorious for the seriousness of the injuries it causes.”
• The substance burns at 800 degrees Celsius and can cause severe burns to the human body.
• It is a very sticky substance and is difficult to remove. It can ignite again when the bandages are removed.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said on Twitter that the phosphorous attack targeted “uninhabited areas in Bakhmut with incendiary ammunition.”
The Special Forces Command in Kiev added that Russian forces continue to “destroy the city” in eastern Ukraine.
It was not clear exactly when the alleged attack took place, but footage shared by Ukraine, apparently taken by a reconnaissance drone, showed high-rise buildings on fire.
“Horrible” video
Other videos posted on social media platforms showed fires burning on the ground and white clouds of phosphorus lighting up the night sky.
A BBC analysis of the video, released by the MoD, identified the footage in an area west of Bakhmut city centre, near a children’s hospital.
Russia has been accused of using white phosphorous several times since it launched its war on Ukraine last year, including during the siege of Mariupol at the beginning of the war.
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2023-05-06 15:42:19
