Pentagon advised the White House to provide phosphorus munitions to Ukraine - Media.

Pentagon officials recommended the US president's administration to provide Ukraine with white phosphorus munitions as part of defense aid. But the White House rejected this initiative, NBC reports.

According to the Pentagon's plan, the Ukrainian army could use such 'phosphorus' shells during military operations on the front, but not for attacking enemy troops.

According to American media, the recommendation was to provide Ukraine with artillery shells with white phosphorus for illuminating battlefields and creating smoke screens.

Three American officials told NBC that US authorities 'several times' denied the Department of Defense in providing Ukraine with white phosphorus munitions.

White phosphorus immediately ignites upon contact with oxygen. It burns at very high temperatures and is difficult to extinguish. Phosphorus can adhere to surfaces, especially clothing or skin, causing fatal burns.

Human rights activists also oppose the use of white phosphorus due to its harmful effects on lungs and eyes.

In the past, American troops used white phosphorus against enemy troops in various conflicts, including World War II and Vietnam.

In the US, white phosphorus is used in artillery shells to create smoke, camouflage troop movement, and illuminate battlefields.

However, international law requires military to distinguish between military objects and areas where civilians may be present.

American officials said that the Pentagon offered to provide Ukraine with white phosphorus shells as part of several aid packages, including a recent package approved by the president regarding aid reduction.

'If approved, the aid announcement will likely not mention the chemical, as it was done with previous munitions sent to Ukraine, but not publicized,' NBC writes.

However, two American officials told the press that the stigma surrounding white phosphorus and concerns about potential negative consequences for civilians prevented the Biden administration from approving this recommendation.

Source: RBC-Ukraine.