Pentagon Calls for White Phosphorus Shells to Be Provided to Ukraine - NBC News
Date: 2024-09-26 Author: Кирило Загоруйко Categories: WORLD
Senior Pentagon officials have recommended that the US provide Ukraine with white phosphorus munitions for use on the battlefield. However, the White House has rejected the idea several times, NBC News reports, citing three US officials familiar with the plans.
The Pentagon has recommended providing Ukraine with white phosphorus shells in several aid packages, including recent ones. According to officials, if the decision is approved, it will not be announced publicly.
The publication's sources explain that the stigma around white phosphorus and concerns about its impact on civilians have kept Biden administration officials from approving the recommendation. The Pentagon and the White House National Security Council did not respond to requests for comment.
It is noted that the US currently uses white phosphorus in artillery shells to create smoke and conceal troop movements, as well as to illuminate the battlefield. And the Pentagon recommended providing Ukraine with white phosphorus artillery shells for this very purpose, and not for use against enemy troops.
