Ukraine Receives Cluster Bombs from the United States, Pledges to Use Them Strategically
KYIV, July 13 – Ukraine has recently received a shipment of cluster bombs from the United States, despite the fact that these munitions are banned in over 100 countries. Ukrainian officials have assured that they will only be used to dislodge concentrations of enemy soldiers.
Valeryi Shershen, a spokesman for the Tavria military district, confirmed the arrival of the weapons, which were part of an $800-million security package provided by the United States. The Pentagon also announced the delivery.
The shipment has been met with denouncement from Moscow. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that Russia could resort to deploying similar weaponry if faced with their use.
Ukrainian officials argue that the deployment of cluster bombs is justified due to Russia’s mining of the seized territories. Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive, focusing on capturing groups of villages in the southeast and retaking areas around the city of Bakhmut, which were seized by Russian forces in May.
Valeryi Shershen stated that the use of cluster bombs will demotivate Russian occupying forces and shift the balance in favor of the Ukrainian armed forces. He emphasized that the munitions will be used strictly within the legal framework and only for the deoccupation of Ukrainian territories.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to using the cluster bombs responsibly during a NATO summit.
Cluster munitions are known for releasing numerous smaller bomblets that can cause indiscriminate casualties over a wide area. Unexploded bomblets also pose a long-term danger.
Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of using cluster bombs since the conflict began in February 2022. Human Rights Watch has confirmed the use of cluster munitions by both sides. However, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits 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 expressed concerns, citing its commitment to a convention that discourages the use of such weapons. Some U.S. Democratic lawmakers have also raised their concerns.
Ukrainian military analyst Oleskander Musiyenko believes that the cluster bombs will be used in the south, as announced by the area’s commander. He stated that the munitions will be used to pierce and destroy enemy defense fortifications, expanding the capabilities of Ukrainian troops.
Deputy Ukrainian Defense Minister Hanna Maliar reported that Ukrainian forces are making progress in the south, forcing enemy forces to redeploy. However, they have faced difficulties to the north of Bakhmut.
Russian accounts of the fighting claim that 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
How can the international community effectively address the use of cluster bombs in Ukraine to ensure the protection of civilians and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict
The balance of power in favor of Ukraine. He emphasized that Ukraine will adhere to international humanitarian laws and only target concentrations of enemy soldiers, ensuring that civilian casualties are minimized.
Cluster bombs are highly controversial due to their indiscriminate nature and potential to cause harm to civilians. These munitions disperse smaller submunitions over a wide area, posing a significant risk to both military personnel and civilians long after they are deployed.
In response to the shipment, human rights organizations have expressed their concerns. They argue that the use of cluster bombs can lead to widespread civilian casualties and pose a long-term threat to the affected areas, as unexploded submunitions can remain hidden and active for years, posing a danger to civilians, particularly children.
Despite the concerns raised, Ukraine maintains that they need these weapons to maintain their security and regain control over their territory. They argue that Russia’s use of landmines in the seized territories justifies the use of cluster bombs as a defensive measure.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with ongoing clashes between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists. The deployment of cluster bombs is likely to further escalate the conflict and increase civilian casualties.
International organizations and the international community at large have called for an immediate halt to the use of cluster bombs. They have appealed to both Ukraine and Russia to address their grievances through diplomatic means and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
