Ukraine Refutes Claims Of Russian Use Of "Father Of All Bombs" In Kharkiv Attack

In recent developments, Ukraine has firmly denied allegations that Russia deployed a weapon known as "the father of all bombs" in the ongoing conflict in the northeast region of the country. As experts analyze the situation, attention is being drawn to a reportedly smaller yet still devastating weapon that was utilized in an attack on the Kharkiv region earlier this week. The discourse surrounding these allegations underscores the complexity of warfare and the strategic use of information in conflict.

On Tuesday, both Russian and Ukrainian sources circulated footage claiming to depict Moscow's forces targeting the northeastern Ukrainian settlement of Vovchansk using an ODAB-9000 thermobaric bomb. However, Vitaliy Sarantsev, a spokesperson for Ukrainian forces in the Kharkiv area, argued that the bomb used was a different, smaller glide bomb, disputing the characterization of the weapon as the "father of all bombs."

"The reports are not true," Sarantsev insisted. He elaborated that launching an ODAB-9000 would typically require a Tu-160 strategic bomber, which, according to him, had not been observed in the area. This statement highlights the ongoing battle not only on the ground but also in the realm of public perception and information warfare.

As discussions continue, Sarantsev emphasized that "a smaller weight and power munition was used," which he believes was manipulated by propagandists to create a sensational narrative. This assertion aligns with insights from David Hambling, a weapons expert and journalist who dismissed the plausibility of the ODAB-9000's deployment. Hambling described the ODAB-9000 as "several times bigger than other Russian weapons" and noted that the apparent lack of severe structural damage in Vovchansk suggests a smaller-scale explosion was at play.

Moreover, other credible sources, including influential Russian military bloggers, have suggested that the weapon used in Vovchansk could be the smaller ODAB-1500, which Hambling also deemed "more plausible." This highlights the ongoing debate over the nature of the weaponry utilized in the conflict, as both sides continue to leverage information to sway public and international opinion.