00:00 Russia is accused of using this weapon surrounded by a legal flood, but is supposed to be banned
00:04 against civilian populations.
00:06 Has the war in Ukraine reached a new stage?
00:09 For a few days, Kiev has accused Moscow of using phosphorus bombs.
00:14 When questioned on the matter, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov assured on Friday, March 25,
00:20 that Russia had "never violated any international convention".
00:23 If the use of phosphorus is proven, it has not yet been confirmed independently,
00:29 this would mark a new step in the aggravation of the conflict.
00:33 Indeed, phosphorus bombs, whose legal framework is vague, are known for their great danger.
00:40 As explained by a report by the Human Rights Watch organization, published in 2018,
00:45 incendiary weapons are among the most cruel weapons used in armed conflicts in the world today.
00:51 This is why they are prohibited by many international conventions.
00:55 The consequences for the people targeted are catastrophic.
00:59 Indeed, white phosphorus is a particularly dangerous incendiary killer.
01:03 Integrated on artillery shells, bombs, rockets or grenades,
01:08 this chemical element increases the lethal power of many weapons.
01:12 Used for military purposes, it can cause damage in two ways,
01:16 by burning and inhalation of steam, as well as by direct injury caused by the particles of their projectiles.
01:22 When it comes in contact with oxygen, white phosphorus ignites and burns,
01:27 producing a particularly toxic dense white smoke.
01:30 But that's not all.
01:32 Because it is very soluble in fats, this chemical element burns the human flesh very easily and very seriously.
01:38 Thus, white phosphorus can cause horrible injuries, no matter how it is used.
01:44 It is highly soluble in fats and therefore in the human flesh,
01:47 says the Human Rights Watch in a report from 2015.
01:51 Once in the body, it is very difficult to get rid of it.
01:55 Even if a person receives care after a phosphorus burn,
01:58 his chances of survival are slim,
02:00 because the chemical particles continue to burn until they are consumed or lack oxygen.
02:05 This is why burns on only 10% of the body are often fatal, says the Human Rights Watch.
02:10 Murderous for humans, white phosphorus is also a danger to the environment.
02:15 As explained in 2020 by RFI Armen Muradian,
02:18 rector of the University of Medicine in Ervan,
02:20 phosphorus smoke leaves an immediate impact in the biosphere before dispersing into the atmosphere.
02:26 In addition to the bombings that destroy the entire impact zone,
02:29 white phosphorus burns the calcines, leaving only ashes on its path.
02:33 Because it is a toxic chemical element for many living species.
02:37 Thank you for watching!
02:39 [Bell rings]
02:41 (bell dings)
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