UK Ministry of Defence Confirms Russia's Use of Unethical WMD 'Vacuum Bomb'

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Russian forces used the so-called "vacuum bomb," an unethical weapon of mass destruction, during their invasion of Ukraine. This bomb is known internationally as an unethical weapon of mass destruction because it can be used indiscriminately to massacre civilians.

According to the UK BBC on the 9th (local time), the UK Ministry of Defence stated on its official Twitter account that "it has confirmed that Russian forces used the multiple rocket launcher 'TOS-1A,'" adding, "This launcher fires rockets equipped with thermobaric bombs, also known as vacuum bombs, and is a weapon previously used by Russian forces during their invasions of Afghanistan and Chechnya."

It further explained, "Thermobaric bombs use oxygen from the surrounding air to create a high-temperature explosion, resulting in a blast effect that lasts longer than conventional explosives," adding, "This weapon can destroy social infrastructure and, when used against civilians, can cause severe internal organ damage and burns, leading to death for those exposed." It emphasized, "If Russian President Vladimir Putin deliberately uses this weapon against civilians, it would be illegal."

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Russia is also known to have used thermobaric bombs during its 2014 invasion of the Crimean Peninsula. This weapon sucks in all surrounding oxygen to create a prolonged vacuum effect and generates high-temperature fires. It is mainly used in urban warfare for suppressing resistance forces or massacring civilians and has been condemned internationally as an unethical weapon.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.