Russia using deadly phosphorous bombs on Ukraine sparking chemical warfare fears, official says

RUSSIA has been accused of using deadly phosphorous bombs in Ukraine amid growing fears Vladimir Putin could resort to chemical weapons.

Footage shows what is alleged to be white phosphorous burning fiercely on the ground in the eastern city of Kramatorsk, while separate images show it apparently glowing in the sky above Kyiv.

White phosphorous causes injuries and death by burning deep into tissue, through being inhaled as a smoke and by being ingested.

Kramatorsk police chief Oleksiy Biloshytskiy shared a video of material burning on the ground as it was touched with a spade.

The unverified video was filmed in a city which is home to Ukraine’s Joint Forces Operation headquarters.

“Another use of phosphorus ammunitions in Kramatorsk,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, ITV has released what it says is footage of phosphorous over the north-western suburbs of Kyiv on Tuesday

The chemical can be seen bursting in the darkness over the Ukrainian capital.

Western leaders have grown increasingly concerned that a desperate Putin will use chemical weapons as his invasion falters.

"I think it's a real threat," said President Joe Biden as he left the White House.

It comas as NATO head Jens Stoltenberg warned Russia against using chemical weapons in Ukraine.

"Any use of chemical weapons would totally change the nature of the conflict, it would be a blatant violation of international law and would have far-reaching consequences," he said.

Meanwhile, the US has also determined that Russian troops have committed war crimes in Ukraine, and it will work to prosecute the offenders, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

He cited evidence of indiscriminate or deliberate attacks against civilians and the destruction of apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, shopping centres and other sites.

White phosphorous has been used extensively in combat through the years, including World War I and II as well as in Korea and Vietnam.

Turkish forces are alleged to have used it against the Kurds in 2019.

The material is derived from the chemical element phosphorous and can be used in smoke, tracer fire as well as munitions.

It is pyrophoric, meaning it self-ignites, and can burn clothing, skin, fuel and ammunition.

Due to its smoke-producing qualities it is usually found in smoke grenades and other munitions, such as launchers or mortars.

They are used to create a smoke screen to hide troop movements or firing positions as well as infrared signatures.

The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons bans incendiary weapons but those containing white phosphorus are not covered.