Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused Ukrainian forces of repeatedly using banned ammunition, including white phosphorus, in recent campaigns.
RT reported that speaking at a regular press conference on December 18, Ms. Zakharova affirmed that law enforcement agencies and the Russian Ministry of Defense have collected "irrefutable evidence" of the Ukrainian army's use of white phosphorus. The weapon has been used several times in September, mainly via drones, she said.
Ms. Zakharova also emphasized that the increased use of white phosphorus proves that Kiev is capable of self-producing this compound, violating the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The use of white phosphorus-containing ammunition used by the Ukrainian army is a non-discriminatory weapon, banned under Protocol III of the Geneva Convention on the restriction of the use of certain conventional weapons in residential areas, Zakharova said.
Meanwhile, Ukraine quickly denied the allegations. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgy Tikhy called Russia's statements "unfounded and unjustified". Ukraine has always been and will continue to be a reliable member of multilateral mechanisms to prevent weapons of mass destruction, Tikhy stressed.
Both Moscow and Kiev have repeatedly accused each other of using white phosphorus and other controversial ammunition. White phosphorus, a highly flammable compound when exposed to air, has caused controversy for its ability to cause serious damage and destruction.
This chemical is not only used to create smoke to conceal the movement of the army but can also become a firepower that causes catastrophic consequences if not used carefully. White phosphorus is very toxic, can enter the bloodstream and cause severe burns when it comes into contact with skin or clothing.
NBC previously reported that the Pentagon considered supplying phosphorus shells to Ukraine in September. However, the White House has rejected the idea. According to NBC, the proposed shell could be the NATO M825 artillery shell, a 155mm type containing white phosphorus used to create smoke or mark positions.
