Allies Express Concern Over US Decision to Supply Ukraine with Cluster Bombs

US Allies Express Concern Over US Decision to Supply Ukraine with Cluster Bombs

Several allies of the US have voiced their unease at Washington’s recent decision to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs. The US confirmed on Friday that it would be sending the controversial weapons to Ukraine, with President Joe Biden describing it as a “very difficult decision”. However, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Spain have all expressed opposition to the use of cluster bombs, which have been banned by over 100 countries due to the danger they pose to civilians.

Cluster bombs are known for releasing numerous smaller bomblets that can cause indiscriminate damage over a wide area. They have also faced criticism for their high failure rate, with unexploded bomblets posing a threat for years before potentially detonating. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have condemned the use of cluster munitions, stating that they pose a grave threat to civilian lives even after the conflict has ended.

President Biden stated in an interview with CNN that he had discussed the decision with allies, and it was part of a military aid package worth 0 million. He explained that the decision was made because Ukraine was running out of ammunition. However, the move has been met with criticism from various Western allies. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted that the UK is a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the production and use of such weapons. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins also expressed opposition, stating that cluster bombs cause significant damage to innocent people and can have long-lasting effects.

Spain’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles emphasized her country’s commitment to not sending certain weapons and bombs to Ukraine, including cluster bombs. Canada expressed concern about the potential impact of these bombs, particularly on children, and reaffirmed its compliance with the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Germany, a signatory of the treaty, stated that it understood the American position but would not provide such weapons to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s defense minister has assured that the cluster bombs will only be used to break through enemy defense lines and not in urban areas. The US decision bypasses US law prohibiting the production, use, or transfer of cluster munitions with a failure rate of over 1%. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that the American cluster bombs being sent to Ukraine have a dud rate of less than 2.5%, while Russia’s have a dud rate of between 30-40%.

The use of cluster munitions has been widely criticized by human rights organizations and the UN human rights office, which called for an immediate halt to their use. Russia, despite its extensive use of cluster munitions against Ukraine, condemned the US decision, describing it as an act of desperation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked President Biden for the military aid package.

As America’s NATO allies distance themselves from the decision, former NATO deputy commander Gen Sir Richard Shirreff defended the move, stating that the deployment of cluster bombs should make it easier for Ukraine to break through Russian lines. He argued that if the West had provided more arms sooner, the need for such weapons would not have arisen.

The conflict in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and south-eastern Zaporizhzhia regions continues, with Ukraine’s military commander-in-chief expressing frustration over the slow deliveries of promised weapons from the West.

What alternative measures could the US government explore to support Ukrainian forces without resorting to the use of banned weapons

Nse Minister Margarita Robles echoed these concerns, noting that cluster bombs are inhumane and have no place in modern warfare. Canada’s Foreign Minister Marc Garneau also expressed disappointment in the US decision, emphasizing the need to prioritize the protection of civilians.

The supply of cluster bombs to Ukraine could potentially escalate the conflict in the region and endanger civilian lives. Critics argue that providing these weapons contradicts the goal of promoting peace and stability. Instead, it may contribute to further suffering and humanitarian crises.

Humanitarian organizations and activists have called for a global ban on cluster munitions, advocating for their eradication due to their indiscriminate nature and the long-lasting impact they have on civilian populations. The decision to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs is seen as a setback in the global effort to eliminate these deadly weapons.

While the US government claims that this decision is driven by the urgent need to support Ukrainian forces, critics argue that alternative measures should be explored to provide assistance without resorting to the use of banned weapons. The concerns expressed by US allies highlight the importance of international collaboration and adherence to global norms in addressing conflicts and protecting civilian populations.

The US decision to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs has not only raised ethical concerns but has also strained relationships with key allies. As conflicts continue to persist around the world, it is crucial for nations to prioritize the well-being of civilians and work towards peace-building efforts that do not involve the use of indiscriminate and banned weapons.