‘Largest non-nuclear’ bomb may have been used in Ukraine: reports

Some reports claim that Russia may have used the world’s largest non-nuclear bomb against Ukraine in the war that has been going on for more than two years. Russian forces may have dropped the ODAB-9000, dubbed the “father of all bombs,” on the city of Vovchansk, according to reports.

This bomb is considered Russia’s most powerful non-nuclear weapon and is reportedly capable of delivering 44 tons (44,000 kilograms) of TNT.

ODAB-9000 uses ambient atmospheric oxygen to create a massive explosion, creating a shockwave that destroys everything in a large area.

A video posted on an online platform shows a bomb descending from the top right corner of the screen and exploding before damaging nearby buildings in Vovchansk.

ODAB-9000 bomb

The video was posted on Telegram by InsiderUA, a Ukrainian news agency.

However, a pro-Ukrainian broadcaster claimed that it was not an ODAB-9000 bomb, but the ODAB-3000 thermobaric bomb, and that the claim about the use of the ODAB-9000 bomb was misinformation – and the misinformation is being spread by Supporters spread the Russian armed forces.

A thermobaric or “vacuum” bomb draws in oxygen to produce intense burns at high temperatures.

According to the International Review of the Red Cross, a journal published by the humanitarian organization that focuses on international law, the use of thermobaric weapons in built-up, civilian areas could constitute a war crime Newsweek.

Ukraine denies the operation

Kharkiv Operational and Tactical Group spokesman Colonel Vitalii Sarantsev has denied the use of an ODAB-9000 aerial bomb, stating that the use of the ODAB-9000 requires a strategic bomber such as a Tu-160. Sarantsev emphasized that there have been no movements of such aircraft recently.

“I once again call on representatives of the Ukrainian media and administrators of Telegram channels to adhere to information hygiene, use verified sources of information and refrain from spreading fake news from Russian propagandists, which only plays into the hands of the enemy,” Sarantsev added .

He stressed that Russian forces may have used less powerful ammunition and propagandists took advantage of the explosion caused by the small bomb to create a “spectacular image.”

ODAB-9000 was never officially used in combat

The use of ODAB-9000 would lead to massive destruction over a large area. Use of the powerful weapon can result in massive casualties and cause major damage in urban areas.

Furthermore, the ODAB-9000 has never been officially used in combat, and confirmed use in Ukraine would be a first in military history.

Its deployment could signal a change in Russian tactics as Moscow continues to face setbacks on certain fronts.

However, Ukrainian officials maintain that this weapon was not used and claim that these reports are part of an information war aimed at spreading fear and confusion among the Ukrainian population.

To date, there is no other clear image of the bomb explosion other than footage shown on Russian television during the bomb test on September 11, 2007.

The aerial bomb with a volumetric explosion is considered the counterpart to the American GBU-43/B, which is also called the mother of all bombs.