August 11th 2024.
Local authorities reported that an apartment building in Kursk was damaged by debris from a missile launched by Ukraine. This incident has caused concern as it is the biggest attack on Russian territory since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorized the use of a controversial weapon known as a vacuum bomb. This weapon is capable of causing destruction up to 12 miles inside the border region of Kursk, and it has been deployed as part of a counter-terrorism operation. The use of this bomb has sparked controversy and raised concerns about its impact on civilian areas.
One of the main concerns with this weapon is its ability to cause severe damage to the human body. Its explosion creates a powerful blast wave that can suck the air out of victims' lungs. Despite this, the Russian defence ministry has confirmed that fighting is still ongoing in the Kursk region, and air strikes have been conducted against Ukrainian forces.
The Russian government has also implemented measures in neighboring regions, such as Belgorod and Bryansk, to ensure the safety of residents. This includes the relocation of civilians, controlling phone communications, and requisitioning vehicles. It is estimated that over 76,000 people have been evacuated in the past few days as Russian forces struggle to repel Ukraine's incursion.
Thermobaric bombs, also known as vacuum bombs, are two-stage munitions that are highly destructive. The first stage releases an aerosol made up of fine materials, while the second stage ignites the mixture, creating a massive blast wave with extremely high temperatures and overpressures. This results in a shockwave and a vacuum effect, consuming the oxygen in the surrounding area. Due to its destructive power, the use of these bombs is highly controversial.
These weapons are typically used to target fortified structures, bunkers, tunnels, and troops in open areas or buildings. Their ability to penetrate and destroy targets in enclosed spaces makes them valuable in urban combat. However, their use is a cause for concern due to the severe injuries they can cause.
Despite the ongoing conflict, not much is known about the daring Ukrainian operation and its strategic goals. Ukrainian military officials have kept it under wraps, presumably to ensure its success. In a video posted on social media, Ukrainian soldiers can be seen holding their flag outside a Gazprom facility in the Russian town of Sudzha. They claim to have control over the area and assure that all buildings are safe.
On the other hand, Russia has not shared many details about its response to the incursion, including any evidence of using a thermobaric bomb. The raid, which started on Tuesday, is President Volodymyr Zelensky's latest move in the ongoing war. In his address to the nation, he vowed to restore justice for Russia's invasion and confirmed that he had discussed the operation with a top Ukrainian military officer.
The situation has also caught the attention of the White House, with national security spokesperson John Kirby stating that the US is in touch with their Ukrainian counterparts. However, he refrained from commenting on the use of weapons until further conversations are complete. He also reiterated that the US's goal is to help Ukraine defend itself, and they have previously stated that cross-border strikes are permissible.
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