Russia has accused Ukraine of using white phosphorus munitions in its ongoing conflict by dropping them from drones. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, claiming that Ukrainian forces have repeatedly deployed these incendiary weapons, a move that violates international humanitarian law. White phosphorus is a highly controversial substance that ignites on contact with air, causing severe burns and potentially lethal injuries. Its use against civilian areas is strictly prohibited under international law.
The Russian Ministry’s statement came with a warning about the dangerous nature of these weapons. It also demanded that Ukraine cease using white phosphorus, labeling the action as both unlawful and inhumane. Russia has called for international condemnation and greater scrutiny of Ukraine’s military tactics, emphasizing that the use of such munitions could escalate tensions in an already volatile region.
This allegation is not the first of its kind in the ongoing war between the two countries. Both sides have accused each other of using illegal weapons, including cluster munitions and chemical agents, throughout the conflict. The international community has largely condemned the use of such weapons, but there have been limited investigations into specific incidents.
Ukraine, for its part, has not officially responded to Russia’s accusations as of now. The country continues to face widespread challenges in its struggle against Russia’s military offensive, with heavy civilian casualties reported in recent months.
The continuing use of banned munitions adds another layer of complexity to the war, drawing calls from human rights organizations and governments worldwide to investigate the claims. As tensions rise, the use of controversial weapons like white phosphorus threatens to further destabilize an already fragile situation, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
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