MFA's commentary on false Russian media statements about allegedly use of phosphorus ammunitions by Ukrainian military

With the support of the Kremlin and Russian media terrorist armed groups in the east of Ukraine have launched not only military operations against the Ukrainian army and civilians, but also a dirty information campaign. The message about allegedly shelling Lysychansk with phosphorus ammunitions by the Ukrainian army during the night of July 22, 2014 is one more flagrant example of an outright lie and misinformation of leading Russian media.

Official representatives from the Russian Federation groundlessly and fruitlessly, at the OSCE meetings as well, tried to accuse units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine involved in the ATO of the allegedly use of this prohibited weapon.

This is not the first time, when trying to deceive its own citizens as well as the international community the Russian side gives obviously flimsy facts and false information as the official position.

In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine categorically and officially states that phosphorus ammunitions are not in service with the Armed Forces and military units of Ukraine involved in the ATO.

Any attempts by the Russian side to accuse the Ukrainian army of their use are groundless and blatant provocation committed with the purpose of discrediting the ATO forces.

We call on the international community to pay attention to an irrefutable proof of talks of terrorists with Russia about getting phosphorus munitions for using them in "Grad" systems as well as to condemn criminal actions and intentions of terrorists as to getting and using this banned weapon against Ukrainian military and civilians.