In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the use of US-supplied cluster bombs by Ukrainian forces has drawn significant attention and criticism from the international community. The White House has confirmed that Ukraine is employing these munitions against Russian forces, stating that they have been utilized effectively to target defensive positions and operations.
Cluster bombs are weapons that disperse multiple bomblets over a wide area, posing a serious threat to civilian populations and the environment. More than 100 states have banned their use due to these grave concerns. Despite the ban, the US agreed to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine to bolster their ammunition supplies during their summer counter-offensive.
National Security Spokesman John Kirby defended the decision, stating that Ukraine is using the cluster bombs appropriately and effectively, resulting in significant impacts on Russia’s defensive formations and maneuvers. However, several US allies, including the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Spain, opposed the use of these controversial weapons.
President Joe Biden expressed the difficulty of the decision to supply cluster bombs, highlighting the seriousness of the situation on the ground. Russia, in response, warned that it possesses similar weapons and would not hesitate to use them if they were employed against their forces.
Cluster bombs have been employed by both sides in the conflict. Russia has used them in Ukraine, including in civilian areas, since its full-scale invasion began. While Ukraine claims to use the munitions only against concentrations of Russian enemy soldiers, the potential for harm to civilians remains a significant concern.
Ukrainian General Oleksandr Syrskyi, in charge of operations in the country’s east, acknowledged the controversial nature of cluster bomb usage. However, he emphasized the need for maximum effectiveness against enemy infantry to hasten the resolution of the conflict. He acknowledged that while the weapons could be a necessary measure, they would not be a definitive solution to all their challenges.
The use of cluster bombs has sparked debates about their legality, ethical implications, and potential impact on civilians caught in the crossfire. As the conflict persists, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to prioritize civilian protection and seek peaceful resolutions to the crisis.