Ukrainian MoD accuses Russia of 'blasting Ukrainian positions with thermobaric warheads'

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Ukrainian MoD accuses Russia of 'blasting Ukrainian positions with thermobaric warheads'
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has accused 'Russian Armed Forces of blasting Ukrainian positions with thermobaric warheads' as the MoD calls on NATO to urgently supply them with similar weapons.

The Ukrainian MoD said the Russians used a TOS-1 multiple rocket launcher to strike at Ukrainian targets near Novomykhailivka in the eastern region of Donetsk Oblast.

The 30-barrel or 24-barrel multiple rocket launcher, mounted on a T-72 tank chassis, is capable of firing thermobaric warheads, a type of explosive that uses oxygen in the surrounding area to generate a high-temperature blast.

The MoD also called Russia’s invasion the “largest and most horrific war of the 21st century” and appealed to NATO to supply them with similar Multiple Launch Rocket Systems as a matter of urgency.

The Ukrainian Defence Ministry said on 26th May: “Russian TOS-1s shelling Ukrainian positions near Novomykhailivka, Donetsk region.

“This is what the largest and most horrific war of the 21st century looks like. Ukraine is ready to strike back. To do this, we need NATO-style MLRS [Multiple Launch Rocket Systems]. Immediately!”

In other developments, Ukrainian officials said Russian forces have attacked over 40 towns in the eastern Donbas region.

They added that five civilians died, 12 were wounded and 47 civilian sites were destroyed or damaged in the latest attacks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that makes it easier for Ukrainians in occupied areas to become citizens of Russia.

Russia has also done away with the upper age limit for contractual service in its military.

Ukraine has called Russia's offer to lift the blockade of its Black Sea ports in return for the lifting of some sanctions "blackmail".

The blockade has led to shortages in wheat and cooking oil across the world.