Russia admits using thermobaric 'vacuum' rockets in Ukraine which 'rupture lungs'
dailyrecord.co.ukThe Ministry of Defence (MoD) says Russia has confirmed the use of thermobaric rockets - often called vacuum bombs - in Ukraine and is also "likely" deploying private mercenaries.
The MoD said its Russian counterpart had confirmed the use of thermobaric rockets creating "incendiary and blast effects" in the invasion.
A video posted to Twitter by the MoD said the weapons were used by Russia in both Afghanistan and Chechnya. Thermobaric weapons are not illegal but their use is strictly regulated, MoD said.The missiles explode at a much higher temperature than most missiles, and their blasts last longer than conventional weapons.They are fired by the TOS-1A, an armoured rocket launcher, which can be used to destroy infrastructure and due the heat it produces it can cause massive damage to internal organs and cause flash burns.It comes as the MoD said the Russian state "almost certainly maintains extensive links" with Russian private military companies (PMCs) and is "likely deploying" their mercenaries to Ukraine."Russian PMCs have been accused of committing human rights abuses in several countries, such as Syria, Libya and the Central African Republic, whilst operating on behalf of the Russian state," the MoD said.Western officials recently expressed 'serious concerns' that Russia could unleash some of the most dangerous weapons in modern warfare.
They warned that the Putin wants to "decapitate" President Volodymyr Zelensky's Ukrainian government by overthrowing the capital. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
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