Russia Deploys Phosphorus-Laced Suicide Drone in Ukraine for the First Time

Russian forces have deployed a modified “Molniya” strike drone carrying a payload of yellow phosphorus against Ukrainian troops, according to the Ukrainian analytical group Vodogray on November 10.

The group released footage reportedly showing an aerial munition igniting on impact, producing a characteristic white smoke and flame pattern consistent with phosphorus-based compounds.

Investigators believe the incendiary material may have been extracted from 120-millimeter 3D5 mortar shells, which are typically used to generate smoke screens.

According to Vodogray, the modification indicates that Russian forces are adapting standard munitions for increased lethality in trench warfare.

Yellow phosphorus, similar in properties to white phosphorus, is highly flammable and toxic, capable of causing severe burns and large-scale fires upon contact with oxygen.

The Molniya drone is a Russian-made loitering munition developed by the ZALA Aero Group, part of the Kalashnikov Concern. The system is designed as a small, multi-purpose attack drone capable of carrying different types of warheads, including explosive and thermobaric payloads.

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War in Ukraine

Russia’s White Phosphorus Attacks in Ukraine

Sep 24, 2025 17:50

Since 2014, Russian troops have repeatedly used incendiary munitions such as the 9M22S rocket, designed for multiple launch rocket systems, in operations across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian military reports.

Phosphorus-based weapon use in civilian or densely populated areas is restricted under international humanitarian law due to the indiscriminate harm and severe injuries it can inflict.

Earlier in September 2024, Ukrainian forces reported that Russian troops began using drones coated with toxic substances causing chemical burns, according to Yurii Fedorenko, commander of the 92nd Assault Brigade’s “Achilles” battalion.

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