Ukraine Denies Russia’s Claims of White Phosphorus Use, Reiterates Arms Control Adherence

Ukraine dismissed Russia's claims that its drones repeatedly used white phosphorus in September, reaffirming its full compliance with international arms control obligations.

"The Russian accusations are false and nonsensical," Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi told Reuters in a written statement on December 18. "Ukraine has always been and continues to be a reliable participant in multilateral regimes for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and it faithfully complies with the international obligations stemming from their provisions."

"We are confident that by making such false accusations, Moscow seeks to shift blame for its own actions and deceive foreign audiences," Tykhyi added.

Earlier, Russian law enforcement agencies, together with the Ministry of Defense, accused the Ukrainian Armed Forces of using munitions with white phosphorus in September.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that law enforcement agencies had gathered evidence of Ukraine's use of such munitions, although she did not offer further details.

On December 14, a Ukrainian official reported that over 2,000 servicemen were hospitalized due to chemical poisoning by Russian forces, with three fatalities.