Ukraine Receives Cluster Bombs from US, Vows to Use Them Strategically Against Russian Forces

Ukraine Receives Cluster Bombs from the United States, Pledges to Use Them Strategically

KYIV, July 13 – Ukraine has recently received cluster bombs from the United States, despite the fact that these munitions are banned in over 100 countries. However, Ukrainian officials have assured that they will only use them to dislodge concentrations of enemy soldiers.

Valeryi Shershen, a spokesman for the Tavria military district, confirmed on Thursday that the weapons had arrived a week after the United States announced it would send them as part of an $800-million security package. The Pentagon also confirmed their arrival.

The shipment of cluster bombs has been denounced by Moscow, with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warning that Russia could resort to deploying similar weaponry if faced with their use.

Ukrainian officials argue that the deployment of these munitions is justified due to Russia’s mining of vast tracts of land it has seized. Ukraine has launched a counter-offensive more than 500 days into the war, focusing on capturing groups of villages in the southeast and retaking areas around the eastern city of Bakhmut, which were seized by Russian forces in May after months of fighting.

Valeryi Shershen stated that the use of cluster bombs will “further demotivate Russian occupying forces and fundamentally change things in favor of the Ukrainian armed forces.” He emphasized that the munitions will be used strictly within the legal framework, “only for the deoccupation of our territories.” Shershen also clarified that they will not be used on Russian territory, but only in areas where Russian military forces are concentrated in order to break through enemy defenses.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine’s assurances during a NATO summit on Wednesday.

Cluster munitions are known for releasing large numbers of smaller bomblets that can cause indiscriminate casualties over a wide area. Unexploded bomblets also pose a danger for decades.

Both sides in the conflict have accused each other of using cluster bombs since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Human Rights Watch has reported that both Moscow and Kyiv have used cluster munitions. It is worth noting that Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of these weapons.

The decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine has faced opposition from Spain and Canada, while Britain has stated that it is part of a convention that discourages the use of such weapons. Some U.S. Democratic lawmakers have also expressed concerns.

Ukrainian military analyst Oleskander Musiyenko believes that the weapons will be used in the south, as the area’s commander had announced their arrival. Musiyenko stated that the cluster munitions will expand the capabilities of Ukrainian troops and will be used to pierce and destroy the fortifications of the enemy’s defense line.

Deputy Ukrainian Defense Minister Hanna Maliar reported that Ukrainian troops are making progress in the south, forcing enemy forces to redeploy. While Ukrainian troops have made gains south of the city of Bakhmut, they have faced more difficulties to the north.

According to Russian accounts of the fighting, their forces have repelled 16 Ukrainian attacks in the eastern Donetsk region alone.

Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka and Kyiv Newsroom; Editing by Timothy Heritage, Ron Popeski, and Michael Perry

What are the potential consequences of Ukraine’s decision to use cluster bombs in areas seized by Russian forces?

Only in areas that have been seized by Russian forces.

The use of cluster bombs has long been a controversial topic due to their indiscriminate nature. These munitions release numerous smaller bomblets over a wide area, which can remain active for years and pose a significant threat to civilians, even long after a conflict has ended. The majority of countries have banned their use under the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Ukraine’s decision to use cluster bombs raises concerns about the potential harm to civilians, particularly in areas that have already been heavily impacted by the conflict. Human rights organizations have criticized the move, highlighting the risks to civilian lives and calling for a halt to the use of these munitions.

Given the precarious situation in Eastern Ukraine and the ongoing conflict with Russia, it is crucial for all parties involved to find peaceful and diplomatic solutions. The deployment of cluster bombs, however strategically intended, raises the risk of further escalation and could undermine efforts to negotiate a peaceful settlement.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it is essential for international actors to advocate for a cessation of hostilities and support diplomatic efforts to find a solution. The use of cluster bombs only serves to exacerbate an already volatile situation and further endanger civilian lives.