These images reportedly show Russia using phosphorus shells – that are prohibited by the Geneva Convention – in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
The images were obtained from the National Guard of Ukraine on Tuesday, 25th October, along with a statement saying: “The Russian occupying army continues to use phosphorous shells prohibited by the Geneva Convention in Velika Novosilka in Donetsk region.”
The National Guard quoted one of its soldiers as saying: “These projectiles are dangerous because, in addition to burning all living things, they are also extremely poisonous to the environment.”‘
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 245th day of the war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 26th October, Russia had lost about 68,900 personnel, 2,628 tanks, 5,351 armoured combat vehicles, 1,686 artillery units, 379 multiple launch rocket systems, 192 air defence systems, 271 warplanes, 248 helicopters, 1,379 drones, 350 cruise missiles, 16 warships, 4,076 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 149 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
At least 15 Russian missile strikes have killed seven civilians and injured three more people in Donetsk in the last day.
Russia is taking its allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a “dirty bomb” on its own territory to the United Nations Security Council amid concerns from Western and Ukrainian officials that it is a pretext to escalate the war.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said that Moscow’s “dirty bomb” allegations were preparation for a “false flag” operation.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has reiterated his pledge to retake the city of Kherson in southern Ukraine.
Britain’s new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has promised President Zelensky that the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine will be “as strong as ever”.
The European Commission has urged EU firms and countries to give more money and equipment to support the Ukrainian energy sector, over a third of which has been destroyed by Russian strikes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged his government to produce weapons faster to supply Moscow’s forces in Ukraine.
Putin chaired a new committee on Tuesday that is geared towards accelerating the production and delivery of weapons and supplies for the Russian military, stressing the need to “gain higher tempo in all areas”.
