On March 13, Russian terrorists used phosphorous munitions banned by the Geneva Convention in the town of Popasna in Luhansk region.
This was announced by the head of Luhansk Regional State Administration Serhiy Haidai. The information was also confirmed by Oleksiy Biloshytskyi, First Deputy Chief of the Patrol Police Department of Ukraine.
“War criminals – Russian troops used phosphorous munitions in Popasna. Destructive, ugly force. This is what the Nazis called Brennende Zwiebel (“burning dome” – Ed.). This is what the Russists’ are now releasing in our cities. Unbelievable suffering and fires, ” Serhiy Haidai, the head of Luhansk state administration, wrote on Facebook.
Phosphorus munitions are flammable munitions that contain white phosphorus, which is very active and ignites from contact with oxygen. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the ignited phosphorus burns at temperatures above 800 degrees Celsius, and fires can spread over large areas, up to several hundred square kilometers.
Phosphorus munitions cause severe and painful injuries or death to affected people.
The danger comes not only from fire, but also from combustion products, the inhalation of which destroys the lungs.
Additional Protocols to the 1977 Geneva Convention prohibit the use of white phosphorus munitions if they endanger civilians.