Digital Desk: Ukraine's envoy to the United States alleged Russia of striking Ukraine with vacuum bombs and cluster bombs, weapons condemned by several international organizations. At a press conference, Ukraine's envoy to the US, Oksana Markarova, claimed that Russia used a thermobaric weapon, also known as a vacuum bomb, to invade her nation.
Markarova asserted, "They utilized the vacuum bomb which the Geneva Conventions actually prohibit. So, as you may be aware, the devastation that Russia is attempting to wreak on Ukraine is extensive. We Ukrainians, on the other hand, will fight back. We're defending our territory. There isn't anything else we can do. We're not going to grow fatigued. We are not going to give up. We are not going to give up. We'll keep fighting for our home. Not only our highly motivated and capable military, but everyone in law enforcement, the National Guard, the Territorial Defense, and all Ukrainians."
A vacuum bomb, also known as a thermobaric weapon, draws oxygen from the surrounding air to produce a high-temperature explosion with a blast wave that lasts much longer than a typical explosive and can vaporize human bodies. However, thermobaric weapons in the Ukrainian conflict have not been officially confirmed.
CNN said that one of its team detected a Russian thermobaric multiple rocket launcher near the Ukrainian border early Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said she had read rumours of Russia using such weapons but did not have confirmation. "If that is accurate, it might be a war crime. International organizations would review the situation and that President Joe Biden's government would try to be a part of that dialogue."
Notably, requests for comment to the Russian embassy in Washington went unanswered. According to Markarova, Ukraine is actively working with the Biden administration to secure more weaponry and stiffer sanctions. She told the reporters, "They should pay, and they should pay a hefty price."
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