SVT has been able to verify and locate two of the video clips, both of which were filmed in central Donetsk. Metadata from one of the videos shows it was filmed on Saturday night.
However, we do not know for sure which areas were hit by the incendiary bombs, nor can we determine who fired the shots.
According to Rein Pella, a teacher at the Norwegian Defense Academy and expert on artillery, it is probably Russia. They have used incendiary bombs frequently since the beginning of the war.
– Ukraine has the same weapon system that fires these rockets, 122-millimeter artillery, but on the other hand, I have not received any indications that Ukraine has the type of ammunition and has fired it in combat.
– Most likely, it is the Russian side that is shooting this time, he says.
“False flag”
Donetsk is mainly under Russian control and there has been speculation on social media whether it could be a so-called “false flag” operation, that Russia is trying to make it look like a Ukrainian attack. The attack was relatively minor.
It could also be an attack against the front near Donetsk that went a little wrong, Rein Pella believes.
– It could be that they are either bad artillerymen, or it is a pure propaganda purpose.
If it had happened during the day, it would have been easier to determine where the attack came from. You will then see streaks of smoke that you can follow. In the dark, it is more difficult to determine from which direction it is fired.
An attack with thermite bombs when it is dark can also have another purpose. They are often more effective to use during the day, when the grass is dry and there is more wind.
Psychological character
At night, however, it takes on a more psychological character, according to Rein Pella.
– You get more scared. If you fire an attack like this, it is visible from several miles away, so that everyone around sees that those over there are now exposed to this terrible weapon.