An expert warns about reports of Russia using white phosphorus weapons in Ukraine: 'This is part of the horror of war'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using white phosphorus bombs during its attacks on civilians this week, prompting international concern.

David Johnson, principal researcher at RAND Corporation and a 24 year veteran of the Army, spoke with Insider about what white phosphorus bombs and other chemical weapons mean for the invasion of Ukraine.

It is against the law to use a weapon system against civilians or to use it indiscriminately in populated areas. The United States and almost every other country in the world have white phosphorus projectiles. They are used for creating smoke clouds because they do a good job of creating quick smoke.

The toxic, wax-like chemical substance in phosphorus munitions can cause severe burns if it touches the skin. The weapons have been used by US forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, despite being often misconstrued as illegal weapons.

The difference in Russia possibly using them against Ukraine is that it may be a way to escalate the war.

It is not the fact that they use them in a certain way that is problematic. I think it will get worse in Ukraine, and we should be paying attention to how they are using them. The record of the Russians is terrible.

Johnson said that the country usedbrutal tactics in the past, such as the use of sarin gas in Syria and the use of white phosphorus against civilian targets.

There were bombs this morning. Russian bombs are made of Phosphorus. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a virtual address to NATO leaders on Thursday that adults and children were killed again.

The Washington Post reported Friday that the Kremlin spokesman said that Russia has never violated international conventions.

They have been doing it for 100 years. I don't know why we would expect them to do something differently if they don't achieve their goals. This is frightening.

While chemical weapons draw attention because of the gruesome injuries they cause, Johnson said, they don't carry the high fatality rates that shelling and artillery do because the most severe impacts can be avoided. Johnson thinks that an increase in Russian attacks will cause more deaths than bombs or gas attacks.

When this is over, it will be like a reenactment of what happened in World War II in some cases. Johnson said that people can help make people understand that this is part of the horror of war. The weapons were developed for military use. They are going to be used.