According to Sergei Bratchuk, the Ukrainian spokesman for the Odesa region, a TOS-1A rocket launcher was launched towards Russian forces near Izyum, which is located in eastern Ukraine. The devastating rocket launcher was previously observed in Russian armoured convoys during the unsuccessful push on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city. These tracked vehicles are capable of firing “vacuum bombs,” which suck in oxygen to produce a catastrophic high-temperature blast capable of harming inside organs.
In recent days, there has been mounting evidence of Ukrainians successfully seizing the launchers, known in Russian as solntsepyok or “blazing sun.”
Earlier this week, a photo of Ukrainian servicemen posing with a seized TOS-1A unit went viral on social media.
Another video shows a Ukrainian tractor hauling one of the missile launchers across a field.
In other news, Ukrainian forces were witnessed rescuing the rotary blades of a downed KA-52 helicopter.
The Soviet Union developed the deadly TOS-1, particularly for use in Afghanistan.
However, the most recent modified version recovered by rebel forces has 24 barrels and a range of more than six kilometres.
Thermobaric warheads may produce a catastrophic explosion with a significantly larger blast radius than conventional armament.
When they collide, they distribute an incendiary aerosol into the air, which is subsequently ignited, resulting in a tremendous firestorm that takes oxygen from the atmosphere.
These fresh developments follow Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent scathing criticism on Russia, warning that their actions in Ukraine bordered on “genocide.”
According to Ukrainian officials, the remains of around 400 citizens have been recovered in Bucha and other villages near Kyiv.
The Prime Minister went on to say that the fresh revelations underscored the necessity for the international community to increase economic pressure on Russia.
“I’m worried that when you look at what’s occurring in Bucha, the discoveries that we’re witnessing from what Putin has done in Ukraine don’t appear far short of genocide to me,” he added.
“It’s no surprise that people are reacting the way they are.
“I have no doubt that the international community, with Britain at the fore, will once again move in lockstep to impose further sanctions and penalties on Vladimir Putin’s dictatorship.”
These remarks come as the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union prepare to impose more sanctions on Russia for crimes committed during the invasion of Ukraine.
Another round of economic sanctions aimed against Putin’s supporters and the sectors that fuel the conflict will be unveiled later today (Wednesday).
