KYIV, UKRAINE – Ukraine’s army accused Russia on Friday of carrying out strikes on Snake Island with incendiary phosphorus munitions, just a day after Moscow withdrew its forces from the rocky outcrop in the Black Sea.
“Today, around 18:00 p.m. Russian air force SU-30 planes dropped phosphorus bombs on Zmiinyi island twice “It said in a statement, referring to Snake Island by another name.
The Russian defense ministry described the retreat as a “goodwill gesture” meant to show that Moscow will not interfere with UN efforts to organize protected grain exports from Ukraine.
The Ukrainian army accused Russia on Friday of failing to “respect even their own declarations.”
Its statement was accompanied by a video showing a plane dropping munitions on the island at least twice and what appeared to be white streaks rising above it.
Phosphorus weapons, which leave a distinctive white trail in the sky, are incendiary weapons that are prohibited against civilians but permitted against military targets under an international treaty.
Ukraine has accused Russia of employing them several times since its invasion of its neighbor in late February, including on civilian areas, claims Moscow denies.
Ukraine claimed the Russians were forced to flee the island after being bombarded with artillery and missile fire.
