Pentagon has recommended giving white phosphorus shells to Ukraine, but White House keeps saying no
The U.S. military uses the munition for smoke screens and to light up battlefields. Rights advocates object to its use near civilians because the chemical burns human skin.
White phosphorus smokescreens are fired by the U.S. Army as part of an early morning patrol on the outskirts of Fallujah, Iraq, on Nov. 6, 2004.Scott Nelson / Getty Images file
Sept. 25, 2024, 12:30 PM EDT
By Courtney Kube
Senior Pentagon officials have recommended that the U.S. provide Ukraine with white phosphorus munitions for use on the battlefield, but the White House has rejected the idea several times, according to three U.S. officials familiar with the planning.
White phosphorus is a waxy substance that ignites instantly when exposed to oxygen. It burns at a very high temperature and is hard to extinguish. The substance sticks to surfaces — especially clothing or skin — and can cause deadly burns. The chemicals in the smoke, which often smell like garlic, can also harm lungs and eyes.
During 20th century conflicts, including World War II and Vietnam, the U.S. used white phosphorus against enemy troops. The U.S. now uses white phosphorus in artillery shells to produce smoke and conceal troop movements and to create light and illuminate the battlefield. The Pentagon recommendation was to provide white phosphorus artillery shells to Ukraine to produce light and smoke, not for use against enemy troops.
https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/pentagon-wants-white-phosphorus-shells-ukraine-white-house-says-no-rcna172504
