Ukraine claims Russia used an illegal vacuum bomb during invasion: 'Potentially a war crime'

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Reports reveal which weapons Russia is using in Ukraine

Former defense intelligence agency director Mathew Shoemaker discusses unconfirmed reports of Russians using vacuum bombs in Ukraine on ‘Fox News @ Night.’

The International Criminal Court has started investigating Russia over potential war crimes the country may have committed during its invasion of Ukraine, after a Ukrainian official claimed that Russia used an illegal weapon during the war, officials said.

On Monday, Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, told reporters at the U.S. Capitol that during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the former country used a vacuum bomb, in violation of international law, Reuters reported.

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"They used the vacuum bomb today," Markarova said outside a closed congressional hearing where committee members received an intelligence briefing on the war. "The devastation that Russia is trying to inflict on Ukraine is large."

That same day, ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan, who was already investigating ahead of the invasion, said he was opening an investigation "as rapidly as possible" into any other potential violations, ABC News reported. 

Pro-Ukraine demonstrators hold flags and phone lights as they protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine in Trafalgar Square.  (Photo by Lucy North/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

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A vacuum bomb is a thermobaric weapon that is typically more devastating than traditional bombs as it absorbs the oxygen in a given space to cause a significant blast capable of vaporizing humans, Reuters reported.

A view of damage due to armed conflict between Russia, Ukraine in Donetsk region under the control of pro-Russian separatists, eastern Ukraine on February 28, 2022. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

A Russian vehicle capable of carrying thermobaric weaponry was spotted traveling in Ukraine, CNN reported, but there is no official determination that such a weapon was used.

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The White House is awaiting confirmation from international investigative parties before it takes action, officials said. 

"If that were true, it would potentially be a war crime," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said during a press briefing Monday. She also said President Biden "would look to be a part of that conversation."

President Biden delivers remarks on Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Feb. 24, 2022.  (REUTERS/Leah Millis)