Ukraine accuses Russia of using white phosphorus in attack on Bakhmut
Ukraine has accused Russia of attacking the city of Bakhmut with white phosphorus weapons.
Drone footage released by Ukraine's military showed the city ablaze as what appeared to be white phosphorus rained down.
Although white phosphorus weapons are not banned, their use in civilian areas is considered a war crime, as they create fast-spreading fires that are difficult to put out.
Russia has been accused of using them before. The country has been trying to capture Bakhmut for months, despite its questionable strategic value.
Western officials estimate that thousands of Moscow's troops have died in the assault. The chemical is a wax-like substance which ignites on contact with oxygen, creating bright plumes of smoke.
Human Rights Watch has warned that it is "notorious for the severity of the injuries it causes."
