Why Putin may use 'vacuum bomb' in Ukraine
Stiffening resistance to Russia's invasion of Ukraine may force the Kremlin to deploy a chilling weapon in what would be a major escalation of the conflict.
As the fighting looks to be moving into cities, including the capital Kyiv, Ukrainian forces will likely use buildings, bunkers and cellars as defensive positions.
Ukrainian soldiers and civilian volunteer fighters have been preparing stocks of home-made Molotov cocktail explosives for the expected Russian onslaught in coming days.
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A file photo of a Russian multiple thermobaric rocket launcher. There are reports they are being deployed in Ukraine. Getty
Faced with a determined and entrenched opposition, Russian commanders may turn to thermobaric weapons, Australian security expert John Blaxland says.
These munitions do not use conventional ammunition. Instead, they are filled with high-temperature, high-pressure explosive.
They are sometimes called "vacuum bombs" because they suck in the oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a powerful explosion and a large pressure wave that can have enormous destructive effects.
Russia deployed thermobaric weapons in Chechnya during the 1990s, with horrifying consequences, according to Human Rights Watch.
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Dr Blaxland, a professor of international security and intelligence studies at the Australian National University in Canberra, told nine.com.au there were reports Russian forces were transporting thermobaric weapons into Ukraine.
Last week a CNN news crew spotted a thermobaric rockets launcher south of Belgorod, Russia, near the Ukrainian border
"That may explain why Ukrainian forces are concentrating attacks on rail heads and other key transport links," Dr Blaxland said.
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He said the deployment of such weapons by Russian President Vladimir Putin would escalate the conflict.
"The result would be horrific with mass casualties, many of whom would be civilians."
But using them would also be a gamble for Mr Putin because their results could harden Ukrainian resistance and invite further international condemnation.
"The blowback for Russia would be enormous," Dr Blaxland said.
- Reported with CNN
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