Russian forces used prohibited white-phosphorus munitions to burn the city of Kostyantynivka, according to a report broadcast Thursday [1].

These developments highlight the continued use of restricted weaponry and the targeting of residential infrastructure in Ukrainian urban centers. The reports emphasize a pattern of strikes affecting non-combatant areas and the ongoing legal efforts to hold military leadership accountable.

In Odesa, investigators have identified two Russian commanders suspected of orchestrating a rocket strike on a residential complex [1]. The investigation seeks to establish the chain of command responsible for the attack on the civilian housing site.

Meanwhile, the aftermath of previous attacks continues to strain the healthcare system in the capital. Thirty-one people remain hospitalized following the night shelling of Kyiv on Feb. 2, 2026 [1].

The use of white-phosphorus is particularly scrutinized due to its ability to cause severe burns and ignite structures, making it a prohibited tool for attacking populated areas. The reports from Kostyantynivka indicate that these munitions were deployed to burn the city [1].

Ukrainian authorities continue to document these incidents as part of broader efforts to gather evidence for future war crimes tribunals. The focus remains on the identification of specific commanders and the types of munitions deployed in residential zones [1].

“Russian forces used prohibited white-phosphorus munitions to burn the city of Kostyantynivka”

The alleged use of white-phosphorus and the targeting of residential complexes in Odesa and Kyiv suggest a strategy of urban attrition. By identifying specific commanders, Ukrainian investigators are shifting from documenting general casualties to building individual criminal cases, which may complicate future diplomatic negotiations or cease-fire agreements.