OSCE says spots deadly Russian rocket system in Ukraine for first time

Reuters, via Yahoo News ^ | Oct 2, 2015 | Anton Zverev

[ETL]

MOSCOW (Reuters) - International monitors say they have spotted a new kind of Russian weapons system in rebel-held Ukraine this week, possible evidence of Moscow's continued interest in Ukraine even as it focuses on Syria.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which is monitoring a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, reported that its monitors had seen a mobile TOS-1 'Buratino' weapons system for the first time.

The Buratino is equipped with thermobaric warheads which spread a flammable liquid around a target and then ignite it. It can destroy several city blocks in one strike and cause indiscriminate damage.

Only Russia produces the system and it was not exported to Ukraine before the conflict broke out, according to IHS Jane's Group and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which track arms exports.

The OSCE's findings are embarrassing for the Kremlin, which has turned down its rhetoric on Ukraine and shifted attention to Syria, where it has begun air strikes. The report comes before President Vladimir Putin holds talks in Paris on Friday with the leaders of Germany, France and Ukraine on the peace process.

[ETL]

I actually never heard of them before.

[Krosan]

I believe OSCE was created for a good reason and has done good things mostly in the 70s/80s and also later, but like all large bureaucratic organizations it starts to rot and get tangled in political correctness.

They did “trick” the Soviet Union to sign commitment for human rights and this signature was used to pressure them to release several political prisoners in the 80s.

[Candor7]

If they use this they’re going to get one nasty letter
.. in caps !!!!>>>>>>

Along with the petulant stamping of lefty ideologist feet!

[familyop]

"The Buratino is equipped with thermobaric warheads which spread a flammable liquid around a target and then ignite it. It can destroy several city blocks in one strike and cause indiscriminate damage."

So Russia is learning the technologies of terrorism from its Islamist allies. Also interesting that the weapon has an Iberian name.

[Cossak]

It was named after hero of Russian tale written by Aleksey Tolstoy, a boy made from piece of wood, his version of Pinocchio.
It was used by Soviets in Afghanistan against Islamic freedom fighters.

[Cossak]

There is comment in your link photo was made in town Selyatino, Moskow region