Pentagon Pushes for White Phosphorus Shells for Ukraine, White House Resists

High officials from Pentagon have repeatedly recommended supplying Ukraine with white phosphorus munitions for battlefield use, but the White House has rejected the idea because of the background of white phosphorus use in the past and concerns about its potential impact on civilians, according to three U.S. officials familiar with the discussions, NBC news reported on September 25.

According to the officials, the Pentagon has proposed including white phosphorus shells in several military aid packages to Ukraine, including a recent Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package. If approved, the PDA announcement would likely omit the mention of white phosphorus, as has been done with other sensitive weapons and munitions previously provided to Ukraine.

White phosphorus, a highly flammable substance, burns at extremely high temperatures and is difficult to extinguish. It adheres to surfaces, including clothing and skin, causing severe burns. Inhalation of the resulting smoke, which often has a garlic-like smell, can damage the lungs and eyes.

Today, U.S. forces primarily use it in artillery shells to create smoke screens, conceal troop movements, and illuminate battlefields. Pentagon officials have recommended providing white phosphorus artillery shells to Ukraine solely for these purposes—creating light and smoke—not for use against enemy forces.

At the same time, white phosphorus is not classified as a chemical weapon under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Earlier, Ukraine accused Russia of using white phosphorus multiple time against Ukrainian forces in Marioupol and Kramatorsk in 2022 as well as during the Bakhmut siege in 2023.