Reports have surfaced suggesting Russia may have deployed a thermobaric weapon, known as the ODAB-9000 or the “father of all bombs,” in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region. However, Ukrainian military officials have denied these claims, asserting that a smaller, yet still powerful, glide bomb was used in the strike on Vovchansk.
Vitaliy Sarantsev, a spokesperson for Ukrainian forces in the area, clarified that there was no evidence to support the claim that Russia deployed the massive ODAB-9000, a bomb that would typically require a Tu-160 strategic bomber to launch. Sarantsev noted that no such aircraft had been observed, and instead, a smaller weapon had been used to create a “spectacular” image for Russian propaganda purposes.
Military experts have also questioned the likelihood of an ODAB-9000 being used in this particular attack. David Hambling, a weapons expert, pointed out that the scale of destruction captured in the footage was inconsistent with the immense power of the ODAB-9000, which is “several times bigger than other Russian weapons.” He suggested the damage appeared to be the result of a smaller weapon, potentially the ODAB-1500, which is a more plausible option based on the extent of the damage visible in the video.
Thermobaric weapons, often referred to as “vacuum bombs,” are known for their devastating impact, utilizing two explosions to create a more destructive force than traditional munitions. Russia has previously employed thermobaric weapons during the early stages of the war in Ukraine, with both Ukrainian and Western governments confirming their use. These weapons are highly controversial due to their capability to cause extensive destruction and loss of life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNzuyNiuYQ
Footage of the alleged ODAB-9000 strike, according to Hambling, lacks the telltale signs of a large thermobaric explosion, such as the rapid expansion of a white vapor cloud. This observation, along with the absence of significant surrounding damage, reinforces the theory that a smaller bomb was used in the attack.
While Russia has been deploying various types of glide bombs, such as the FAB-500 and KAB series, to evade Ukrainian air defenses, there is no confirmed evidence that Moscow has developed a glide system capable of delivering a bomb as large as the ODAB-9000. The ongoing use of these destructive munitions highlights the escalating aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities like Vovchansk, which have been under relentless attack for months.
Ultimately, while Russia’s use of smaller thermobaric weapons and glide bombs in Ukraine has been confirmed, the deployment of the massive ODAB-9000 in this instance appears unlikely, based on available evidence. The situation continues to evolve, with the use of these powerful weapons further complicating the already devastating conflict in Ukraine.
When will this insane war end?