Recently, footage emerged showing the destructive power of gliding vacuum bombs being dropped on Volchansk by Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in northern Ukraine. These bombs, specifically the ODAB-1500, are the largest thermobaric air bombs available to the Russian military, designed to disperse explosive payloads before triggering massive fireballs to target troops in fortified positions.
Reports indicate that the Russian Defense Ministry has neither confirmed nor denied the use of these munitions, but footage shared by war correspondent Andrey Rudenko shows their deployment. This is not the first time such weapons have been used in the region, with a previous deployment near Kupyansk.
Furthermore, Russia has been developing glide upgrade kits for older Soviet bombs to enhance precision in airstrikes. The Defense Ministry recently showcased the deployment of such kits on Su-34 fighter-bomber aircraft. The use of these powerful weapons in the conflict has sparked controversy and concern about the escalating violence in the region.
For more updates on the conflict in Ukraine, read our latest report.