A cache of Vladimir Putin’s thermobaric bombs was recently destroyed in a fiery blast following an overnight strike by Ukraine. The explosion, captured in incredible footage, showcased a massive fireworks-like inferno reaching high up in the sky, illustrating the precision of the attack.
Thermobaric munitions, known for their ability to produce more heat and overpressure than conventional bombs, were stored inside a warehouse in the Russian-occupied part of the Donetsk region. These devastating weapons have the capacity to eliminate large numbers of enemies by inducing suffocation through deadly chemicals or causing fatal lung explosions. The deadly cloud produced after the explosion can reach scorching temperatures of up to 3,000 degrees Celsius, capable of burning through steel, concrete, and even human flesh down to the bone.
General Staff of Ukraine reported the destruction of the thermobaric ammunition storage facility, along with three other significant facilities of the Russian invaders, including the Ilsk Oil Refinery. While the deployment of thermobaric bombs is not a violation of international law as long as civilians are not targeted, Russia’s history of utilizing these weapons, such as reportedly dropping one on a Ukrainian oil depot in 2022, raises concerns.
Initially developed by the Nazis in World War Two and first used by the US in Vietnam, thermobaric weapons operate by spreading highly volatile chemical particles into the air before a destructive fireball sucks them back in along with oxygen from the surrounding area. The ensuing explosion and shockwave leave victims suffocating and, in extreme cases, melting their skin. Despite the inherent dangers, these weapons are not banned by international arms control organizations for use against enemy positions in active warzones.
Zelensky’s Washington Visit
The bombing incident coincided with Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington to meet with former President Trump and sign a significant mineral deal worth up to $500 billion. This deal is viewed as a strategic move by Ukraine to garner support from the US ahead of discussions to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite previous tensions, including Trump’s derogatory remarks towards Zelensky, the meeting is anticipated to result in a preliminary agreement granting the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
The establishment of an investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction, jointly managed by Kyiv and Washington, is expected to enhance US-Ukraine relations and contribute to a peace deal to halt Russia’s illegal invasion. Zelensky’s agenda includes pressing Trump for security guarantees to deter Russian aggression, highlighting the critical nature of the discussions between the two leaders.
Advancements in Peace Talks
The recent peace talks between Russia and the US signal progress towards a potential ceasefire in the three-year war in Ukraine. Moscow described the conversations as positive, with Washington lauding the meeting as useful, paving the way for several landmark agreements. Diplomats from both countries convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to negotiate an end to the conflict, reflecting the strengthening ties under Trump’s administration.
Following the five-hour meeting, which involved Saudi representatives monitoring the talks, both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made. Notable outcomes included the agreement to create high-level teams to work towards resolving the conflict in Ukraine promptly. The peace talks marked a significant milestone as the first in-person meeting between Russian and US delegates since the war began, underscoring the importance of diplomatic engagement in achieving peace.
The talks indicated a willingness on the part of the Kremlin to engage in a serious process to address the conflict in Ukraine, as both sides agreed to appoint high-level teams to facilitate the resolution. The collaborative efforts between Russia and the US in Riyadh set a positive tone for future negotiations aimed at ending the protracted war and restoring stability in the region.
