Reports have emerged alleging that the Russian army struck Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region with an ODAB-9000 thermobaric bomb, also known as the “Father of All Bombs”. This weapon is reputed to be one of the most powerful non-nuclear bombs in the world. A video shared by a pro-Kremlin Telegram channel purportedly shows the bomb being dropped in Vovchansk.
The ODAB-9000, despite its fearsome reputation, is considered largely experimental. It was tested only once in 2007 and has not been confirmed as part of Russia’s standard arsenal. The footage from the 2007 test became the basis for a propaganda narrative, with Russia claiming that the ODAB-9000 was more powerful than the American GBU-43/B MOAB (Massive Ordnance Air Blast) also known as the “Mother of All Bombs”.
Thermobaric weapons like the ODAB-9000 work by dispersing an aerosol cloud of fuel, which is then ignited to produce a high-temperature explosion and a prolonged blast wave, making them particularly effective against buildings and bunkers.
Colonel Vitaliy Sarantsev, spokesman of the operational-tactical group “Kharkiv,” has dismissed the claims of the ODAB-9000 being used in Vovchansk. He pointed out that the use of such a munition would require an appropriate carrier, such as a Tu-160 strategic bomber. However, no movement of such aircraft was recorded.
“The use of this munition requires an appropriate carrier, which theoretically could be, for example, a Tu-160 strategic bomber, but the movement of such aircraft was not recorded. A munition of lesser weight and power was used, the explosion of which propagandists used to create an ‘effective’ picture,” Sarantsev noted.
He added that such messages could be part of an information war aimed at demoralizing the servicemen of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, intimidating the local population, and destabilizing the region.
“Once again, I call on representatives of Ukrainian media and administrators of Telegram channels to adhere to information hygiene and use verified sources of information and not spread fake messages from Russian propagandists, playing into the enemy’s hands!”summarized the spokesman of OTU “Kharkiv”.
Moreover, the video of the Vovchansk strike appears to show a gliding munition, likely using Universal Modular Planning and Correction Kit (UMPC) technology. In Russia, these kits are designed for aerial bombs in the 1500 kg and 3000 kg classes. This suggests that the weapon used was more likely an upgraded FAB-3000 or ODAB-1500, rather than the ODAB-9000. The use of UMPC technology allows for greater precision and effectiveness, but it does not match the destructive power attributed to the ODAB-9000.
According to Ukrainian State media, Russia has increased its activity in the Kharkiv sector, and the Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding back the Russian occupation troops’ offensive. Over the past few days, more than 200 occupants and 100 pieces of military equipment were destroyed.
In Vovchansk, Russia reportedly tried to storm the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces more than ten times over the past day, but retreated after suffering losses in manpower and equipment.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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